The Union Event Center was the battleground for an unforgettable night of thrash and death metal on September 14, 2024. The stage hosted The Clash of the Titans tour featuring Testament, Kreator, and Possessed. I have been to plenty of metal shows, but this lineup was something special. It brought together the raw power of death metal pioneers and the unrelenting fury of thrash giants. The atmosphere was charged even before the first note was struck, with metalheads from all walks of life converging for what would be a night of brutal energy and headbanging mayhem.
The night opened with none other than Possessed, the godfathers of death metal. As soon as they hit the stage, the crowd exploded. Jeff Becerra’s iconic growls echoed through the venue; his voice as fierce as it was when Seven Churches revolutionized Death Metal decades ago. Their setlist was a perfect blend of classic hits and newer material, but the moment that stood out for me was at the end of their set when they launched into “Death Metal.” It was an amazing moment hearing such an iconic song and feeling the energy from the crowd responding.
Watching Becerra perform from his wheelchair was both inspiring and humbling. His presence and power on stage defied any limitation, proving that true metal never dies. The band was tight, with their intense riffs and pounding drums setting the tone for the night. Possessed’s performance was more than just music—it was a reminder of their legacy and influence on the entire death metal genre. The energy they ignited in the crowd was palpable, leaving everyone ravenous for more.
As Possessed exited, the anticipation for Kreator was thick in the air. The German thrash legends did not disappoint. From the moment Mille Petrozza and crew stormed the stage, it was a sonic onslaught. Kreator’s relentless assault was a mix of aggression and precision, with Petrozza’s snarling vocals cutting through the chaos like a razor.
They opened with “Hate Uber Alles,” and the pit exploded. Bodies were flying, hair was whipping in every direction, and the energy was off the charts. Their set included favorites like “Phantom Antichrist,” “Satan Is Real,” and “666-World Divided,” each one a masterpiece of thrash perfection. Kreator’s ability to command the crowd was unreal. Petrozza took every opportunity to rile up the audience, calling for circle pits and demanding that the metalheads of Salt Lake City give their all. By the time they played “Pleasure to Kill,” it was a full-scale thrash metal frenzy.
Kreator’s lighting and stage setup added to the chaos. With strobe lights, fog creating an apocalyptic atmosphere, and giant creatures adorning the stage, it felt like we were in the middle of a horror movie set. Their performance was a masterclass in thrash, a reminder that Kreator are not just legends—they are still at the top of their game.
The final act of the night was Testament, and by this point, the crowd was primed for their signature brand of thrash. From the opening chords of “Eerie Inhabitants,” it was clear that Testament was going to deliver a crushing set. Chuck Billy’s guttural roars and towering stage presence filled the room with an intensity that didn’t let up for a second.
The tour itself was a celebration of the two albums that propelled Testament to the top of the thrash world. The Legacy and The New Order set the standards for thrash to this day.
Alex Skolnick’s guitar work was a highlight of the night. His solos were nothing short of mesmerizing, blending technical mastery with raw emotion. Eric Peterson’s rhythm playing was a juggernaut, providing the backbone to the band’s unstoppable sound. The band played a mix of classic tracks like “Into the Pit” and “The New Order” as both albums were properly admired.
The crowd’s energy matched the band’s vigor, with massive circle pits forming and headbangers losing themselves in the music. Billy’s interaction with the crowd was genuine and engaging, and his charisma was a reminder why Testament remains one of thrash metal’s most beloved acts. When they closed the night with “Over the Wall” and “Into the Pit” the entire venue seemed to shake, with the crowd roaring along to every word.
As the night came to an end, not only did the crowd get to see three great sets, but they also got to see three amazing bands that embody the core of their respected metal genres. You can check out the Clash of the Titans tour as they conquer North America.
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