KLASH OF THE TITANS
by Jason Kincade
The Grand Sierra Resort was transformed into a thrash metal battlefield as Possessed, Kreator, and Testament took the stage on the first stop of the Klash of the Titans tour.
Possessed, the legendary thrash metal band, kicked off their North American tour at the Grand Sierra in Reno, NV. As the opening act for Kreator and Testament, Possessed delivered a blistering set that left the crowd wanting more. The crowd was filled with die-hard thrash metal enthusiasts, many of whom had been waiting for years to see Possessed live. From the moment the band hit the stage, they unleashed a relentless assault of speed, aggression, and technicality.
Possessed' setlist was a whirlwind of classic tracks from their early albums, such as "Pentagram," "Tribulation," and "Death Metal"
While the venue may not have been packed to capacity, Possessed' performance was a reminder of their enduring legacy in the world of thrash metal. Their set was a furious and unforgettable experience that left the crowd eager for the rest of the evening's lineup.
Next up was German thrash metal titans Kreator. For those of us witnessing Kreator live for the first time, it was a brutal baptism that was unlike anything id ever seen.
From the moment the band hit the stage, the crowd was on its feet, their energy matching the intensity of Kreator's music. The band's iconic sound, characterized by blistering guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and Mille Petrozza's signature guttural vocals, was a force to be reckoned with.
Kreator's setlist included one track , I believe, from every album. The crowd erupted in a frenzy during the performance of timeless anthems like "Pleasure to Kill," and "Violent Revolution." Petrozza's stage presence was commanding, his energy infectious as he prowled the stage, inciting the crowd to greater heights.
The band's performance was a testament to their enduring legacy. Kreator's music has stood the test of time, and their live show is a reminder of why they are considered one of the pioneers of thrash metal.
Testament, the headliners of the evening, brought their signature blend of technicality and aggression. With the addition of new drummer Chris Dovas, the band's sound felt fresh and invigorated. Dovas's powerful drumming provided a solid foundation for the band's complex riffs and blistering solos. The crowd erupted in cheers as the band launched into classic tracks like "The Preacher" and "First Strike is Deadly."
The dedicated fans who were present made up for the lack of numbers with their enthusiasm and passion. Alex Skolnick's guitar work was as impressive as ever, his solos soaring above the mix. Steve Di Giorgio's bass playing provided the low-end punch that complemented the band's heavy sound. Eric Peterson's signature riffing was on full display, and Chuck Billy's vocals were full of intensity and conviction.
Overall, the first night of the Klash of the Titans tour was a resounding success. Testament delivered a performance that was both nostalgic and exhilarating. The addition of Chris Dovas to the lineup has breathed new life into the band, and their set was a highlight of the evening. Fans of thrash metal who missed this show missed out on a truly unforgettable experience.
