Testament Tops Klash of the Titans Tour Krushing It At the Warfield

Testament
The Warfield
October 27, 2024

Photos by Raymond Ahner

Earlier this year Bay Area, thrash metal titans Testament announced the Klash of the Titans tour, which saw them out on the road with fellow metal veterans Kreator, as well as another Bay Area band, Possessed. The three iconic bands hit the road in September, and after 32 dates in Canada and the U.S., the tour finally rolled into San Francisco for the headliner’s hometown show at The Warfield. And judging from the fans’ reaction, Testament was long overdue for a Bay Area show.

Concentrating on material from their first two records (1987’s The Legacy and 1988’s The New Order), Testament hit the stage with a blistering version of “Eerie Inhabitants” and didn’t look back. From there it was a 1-2-3 punch of “Raging Waters,” “Trial By Fire,” and “Burnt Offerings,” which saw the guitar attack of both Alex Skolnick and Eric Peterson. Vocalist Chuck Billy was in fine form as usual, often interacting with the headbangers in the front row. By the time the band wrapped up their set with “Into the Pit,” it was clear that had been far too long since the Bay Area got a Testament show, and hopefully they will be back soon.

Supporting Testament on the tour were German trash pioneers Kreator, who just so happened to deliver a pretty spectacular set themselves. Led by founding member Miland “Mille” Petrozza, Kreator delivered a 13-song setlist highlighted by “Hail to the Hordes,” “Strongest of the Strong,” and “Pleasure to Kill.” Their stage production included three large inflatable demon heads, which were the perfect way to accent the music.

Opening the shows on this tour was Possessed, another band that got their start in the Bay Area. Frontman Jeff Becerra can still growl out the vocals, and together with the current incarnation of the band, they more than did their job bringing everyone in early, and down to the front of the stage. “The Exorcist,” “Death Metal,” and “Swing of the Axe” were all highlights.

By the time it was said and done the 2024 edition of the Klash of the Titans tour proved the metal is still a huge draw, and it will be interesting to see what they come up with in 2025.

Here’s more photos of all three bands by Raymond Ahner: