Concert Review : Testament
2008
I have been a fan of this band since hearing their first cd "The Legacy" back in 1987.
It had always been my opinion that Testament never got the credit they deserved in the Metal community.They,along with bands like Exodus and Overkill, seemed to be in the shadows of the big four bands - Metallica,Slayer,Megadeth and Anthrax.Was it lack of talent,bad timing, or just plain old luck?Well,I think we all know that Testament has as much talent as any of those other bands but for whatever reason,they just never got over that hump.
However as far as their fans go,Testament is one of the best Thrash Metal bands there ever was and they prove it every time they go out on stage and perform.
Throughout the years I have seen them play live several times and they have never dissapointed.
They have survived lineup changes,serious illness and an ever changing Metal scene, but through it all,Testament has remained loyal to their roots and their legion of fans that have stuck with them for all these years.
When I found out the band would be playing The Rex Theater in my hometown of Pittsburgh,there was nothing going to stop me from seeing that show.
My bro Brandon and I were all geared up for the show and I was psyched because he had never seen Testament play live before so I knew he was in for a treat.
The Rex Theater is an old abandoned movie theater on the south side of Pittsburgh that actually has fairly good acoustics for bands.The chairs at the Rex have also been removed so basically it is one giant mosh pit.
I was anxious to hear what Chuck Billy would sound like after battling cancer,I mean he was one of the best in his day but could he overcome the physical strain that cancer had inflicted on his body?
As the crowd worked itself into a frenzy,the lights went down and soon after that,all my questions were answered.......yes,Chuck and the boys are most definitely back and stronger than ever in my opinion.
The band played for about two hours and included a very cool mix of older fan favorites like "Souls of Black", "Practice What You Preach", "The New Order", "Into The Pit" and "Low" as well as giving newer fans a lethal dose of the Excellent new cd " Formation of Damnation" as well.
The band sounded tight and Chuck's vocals were as powerful as ever.
It stirred up some pretty strong emotions in me to watch Chuck up on stage sounding better than ever and the fact that he beat cancer and can still perform at such a high level was something unique to witness.
Alex Skolnick is without a doubt a Metal Guitar God and he completely shredded the audience with blistering riffs all night long.
Paul Bostaph is in a league of his own and other than Dave Lombardo from Slayer,No One can touch him on stage.
Brandon,myself and the rest of the crowd were exhausted,covered in sweat, and had our Asses thoroughly kicked by the band that night. We pretty much lost our hearing and voices for a few days as well but it waswell worth it as we both felt very lucky to have been a part of such a great show.
Chuck and the boys seemed equally exhausted and did a very classy thing in giving a shout out to not only all the fans but to all the Bay area bands who have helped to mold the Thrash scene into what it is today.
I want to give the band a big "Horns Up" and thank them for a great show and to let them know how much we appreciate what they have done for their fans all these years.
If any of you get the chance to see Testament play live in your town,you do not want to miss this show!
Horns Way Up Brothers and Sisters.........
Nick.
