Testament
UC Theatre
April 10, 2026
Photos by Raymond Ahner
Bay Area thrash legends Testament wrapped up their 2026 U.S. “Thrash of the Titans” tour with a blistering set in front of a packed to capacity UC Theatre last week, and delivered a thrash metal clinic with a hometown show. By the time it was all said and done, they once again showed exactly why they remain one of the genre’s most enduring acts.
Appropriately opening their set with “Into The Pit,” the tone for the evening was immediately set: tight riffs, thunderous drums, and a wall of sound that felt both nostalgic and immediate. Guitarists Eric Peterson and Alex Skolnick were in top form, trading intricate solos with effortless chemistry, while Skolnick’s fluid leads added a melodic edge to the relentless aggression.
Frontman Chuck Billy commanded the stage with his usual towering presence, which is nothing new. His vocals were as powerful as ever, shifting seamlessly between guttural growls and soaring shouts. More than just a singer, Billy acted as the crowd’s conductor, rallying fans into circle pits and mass singalongs that shook the venue floor.
The setlist for the evening struck a perfect balance between old-school favorites and newer material. Highlights included “The Evil Has Landed,” “Electric Crown,” and “The Haunting,” Each song was delivered with their usual razor-sharp execution, a testament to decades of experience.
By the time the band wrapped up their set with “Over The Wall,” and then an encore of “First Strike Is Deadly,” the venue was exhausted but exhilarated. Testament didn’t just perform, they dominated, reminding everyone in attendance that thrash metal, when done right, is as powerful now as it ever was.
