by Arta Gailuma
— Photojournalist —
March 31, 2018 at O2 Institute Birmingham, U.K. —
There was a good reason for excitement when end of last year the announcement came that Bay Area thrash giants Testament will be crossing the ocean returning for the second leg of its European tour in support of the band’s critically acclaimed 2016 album Brotherhood Of The Snake having with them Canadian thrash metallers Annihilator and Polish death metal band Vader as supports.
Seeing Testament live on its own is an experience, but a mega line-up like this with three great bands was a real treat, the room was already full for the first supporting band. Both Vader and Annihilator do know how to keep the moshpit going and did give the headliners a great start.
Testament delivered a flawless performance, they were absolutely outstanding from start to finish with a set full of fan favorites from throughout their entire catalog. Instrumental solos were interspersed between Testament’s classic pieces and combined with a beautiful light show. Chuck Billy was usually playing air guitar with his microphone stand when not delivering his deep growl; Gene Hoglan seemingly effortless and precise on drums; Steve Di Giorgio rock solid on his fretless bass and the terrific guitarists Alex Skolnick and Eric Peterson- the combination of these amazingly talented musicians in my eyes is one of Testaments driving forces today that make them stand out.
Oh, and one more thing- for anyone who wants’ to get familiar with or revisit Testament’s earlier work- Nuclear Blast have reissued five of bands mid-period albums completed with refreshed artwork:
Live at the Fillmore (1995)
Demonic (1997)
The Gathering (1999)
First Strike Still Deadly (2001)
Live at Eindhoven’87 (2009)
Go grab one of these and get ready to thrash out!
LIVE! | Testament, Annihilator & Vader Concert Photo Gallery
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Band:
Chuck Billy- vocals
Eric Peterson- guitars
Alex Skolnick- lead guitar
Steve DiGiorgio- bass
Gene Hoglan- drums
Setlist:
Brotherhood Of The Snake
Rise Up
The Pale King
More Than Meets The Eye
Guitar Solo (Alex Skolnick)
Electric Crown
Into The Pit
Low
Stronghold
Guitar Solo (Eric Paterson)
Eyes Of Wrath
First Strike Is Deadly
Bass Solo
Souls Of Black
The New Order
Encore:
Practice What You Preach
Over The Wall
Websites:
www.testamentlegions.com
www.facebook.com/testamentlegions/
www.annihilatormetal.com
www.facebook.com/annihilatorband/
www.vader.pl
www.facebook.com/vader/
