Friday night’s heavy metal showcase at The Wind Creek Event Center was nothing short of electrifying, featuring three titans of thrash metal: Testament, Kreator, and Possessed. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as fans of all ages gathered to witness a night of relentless energy and classic riffs.
Possessed kicked off the evening, delivering a ferocious set setting the night's tone. Known as pioneers of the death metal genre, their performance was a testament to their enduring legacy. Formed in the Bay Area in 1982, these legends came from the same scene that birthed bands like Exodus and Death Angel. Tracks like “The Exorcist” and “Swing of the Axe” reverberated through the venue, and frontman Jeff Becerra’s growled vocals got fans riled up for the night. Next up was Kreator, who brought a different flavor of thrash metal to the stage. The German legends took the stage to the classic “Run to the Hills” by Iron Maiden, and began their explosive performance with their song “Hate Über Alles”, filled with blistering guitar chugging and relentless drumming. Highlights included songs like “Enemy of God” and the classic “Satan Is Real” which had the audience headbanging along in unison. Their stage production was impressive, with giant inflatable demons flanking both sides of the stage that added to the chaos of their sound. Kreator's energy was infectious, with frontman Mille Petrozza making multiple calls for a giant circle pit, and the audience that gathered in Bethlehem that night happily obliging, making a massive empty space in the middle of the floor for moshers to enter and cyclone around in circles headbanging along to the band’s signature hard rocking riffs. Finally, Testament took the stage, and the excitement reached a fever pitch. The band walked out to “Fight For Your Right” by the Beastie Boys, and the audience knew they were in for a treat. The band began their set opening with their song “Eerie Inhabitants,” they wasted no time in showcasing their masterful musicianship. Chuck Billy’s vocals were as powerful as ever, and the dual guitar work of Eric Peterson and Alex Skolnick was nothing short of mesmerizing. Their sound is also rounded out by the powerful baselines of Steve Di Giorgio and the bombastic drumming of Chris Dovas. The band played countless songs from their iconic first two albums, “The Legacy” and “The New Order”, including fan-favorite songs like “Trail By Fire” and “Over the Wall”, and the night culminated with the iconic “Into the Pit”, as the audience did just that once again with a massive circle pit.
Overall, the concert was a powerful reminder of the enduring appeal of thrash metal. Each band brought their unique flavor to the stage, and the synergy among the three created an unforgettable experience for everyone who attended. The crowd was truly treated to a showcase of legends of the genre and the “Clash of the Titans Tour” proves that fans are hungry for thrash metal now more than ever, and this show was the perfect opportunity to see three legends on the the same stage in one night.
By Dave Avidan
October 14, 2024
Testament
Kreator
Possessed
