A Review-Metallica's Concert at US Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio

Let me just preface this review by assuring you that I am and have been for years, a die-hard Metallica fan. Ever since I was introduced to their music during my high school years, I have been a devout follower. Every room in our house has at least some Metallica memorabilia decorating it in some way. And I never miss an opportunity when the band is close to see them live.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect on this Death Magnetic tour but as with every other Metallica concert I've attended (around 10), they do not disappoint with a live show. I have to first apologize to the girl standing next to me and the guys behind me. I'm sorry for repeatedly elbowing you in the head and accidentally smacking hands with you as I pumped my fists in the air. I just cannot control my excitement when the band is live and the music is pulsing through the arena and through me.

I would like to believe that out of the thousands in attendance that night, that my voice was the loudest and that my fists were pumping the hardest, but I know that isn't true. What I do know is that I thoroughly enjoyed the show and I encourage anyone who has even entertained the idea of seeing Metallica live to do so, as the show is fantastic.

The atmosphere was so electric at US Bank Arena in Cincinnati, OH that it was impossible not to be completely overcome with excitement upon seeing the band. Or maybe that was just me. From the moment the 4 guys ran between the barricades and onto the stage, the atmosphere drew you in and didn't let go until the final chord of the last encore was strummed.

James Hetfield, lead singer of this amazing heavy metal band, encouraged the crowd from the beginning, promising us all that we would be leaving the venue that night with sore throats and smiles on our faces. Two days later, I'm still working on recovering my voice. But luckily, the ringing in my ears has finally subsided.

James, Kirk, Lars and Robert do a fantastic job of bringing the audience into the show, encouraging each and every one of us to thrust our devil horns in the air and chant along, as if we were the only ones in the venue that night. The music they played was a great mix of old and new, and I heard them perform several songs that I had never witnessed live before this show, and they lived up to everything that I expected.

I've been close enough to the band at prior shows to be within 2 feet of Kirk as he wailed his solo on Master of Puppets, and to have Lars spit water on me from the stage. But at this concert, we sat in the stands in row O. Naturally, my preference would have been to be standing within Lars's spitting distance again, but times are tough and just to be able to see Metallica live was thrilling enough. Even from our seats 15 rows off the floor, I could feel both the bass thumping in my chest and the heat from the pyrotechnics on the stage.

I won't ruin the anticipation of the live show for you, in case you haven't seen them on this tour yet. What I will promise you is a fantastic show that will live up to everything you've ever heard or read about Metallica performing live. They are a band that has always shown their true colors in their live performances and if you've never seen them perform live, don't miss your chance.

Thank you to Metallica for giving yet another stellar performance that left me wanting more and already aching for the next live show. These 4 guys have been through a lot to become the unmatched heavy metal force that they are today. But they haven't forgotten their roots, their style and diversity, or the devoted fans that continue to flock to see them live and to buy their new albums. Until the next leg of the tour that brings Metallica nearby, I'll continue to crank the volume on my cd player and pump my fist in the air, remembering with a smile on my face this phenomenal live show.