Testament Takes Over Fillmore
Sometimes it snows in April, but sometimes it’s 80 degrees in March.
Minnesota always keeping you guessing, this last Saturday was one of those unseasonably warm and welcome days. Downtown Minneapolis was teeming with people, every patio swarmed and buzzed with drinks and chit chat. It was a bit more wild parking-wise than usual, even for a weekend day, so had to bite the bullet and park in a garage. Only $11, and thankfully got to park almost near the exit cause it was chaos in a basket getting out of there.
Wanted to pop by Modist Brewing Co. before for a few beers. Heard that there was a special Testament brew just for the show. Modist Brewing Co. is the best spot for people watching, and even better, dog watching. A particularly sweet and friendly chihuahua was stealing everyone’s heart. Saw some suspiciously metal-looking men from the back near the bar. When they turned around, realized it was a couple members of Destruction and some road crew (opening support for Testament.) Nice to see them having a relaxing hang before an intense show.
Those eight dollar Teal Labels from Modist seem like a pleasure cruise when swallowing the $16 taps inside Fillmore. Wasn’t stopping most inside, plenty of drinks flowing and a good showing for the 6pm doors with 6:50pm start time for Destruction. Cruised by the merch tables to peep the prices, not bad. Most shirts were $40 including the tour dated ones. The staff at Fillmore is so welcoming and nice every time. Not only helping me store my bag without question and getting updates on set times, but just overall good friendly folk who seem to enjoy what they do.
Destruction came on with a blast of energy, leading off with “Curse the Gods”. Also included in the set were songs like “Mad Butcher” and what would be the overall theme of the evening, “Thrash ‘Til Death”. Even though they have altered their ranks throughout the four decades of being a band, the sound remains dedicated to the German thrash roots it helped to create and grow. Influencing countless bands over the years, their master-craft approach and finesse is obvious. They brought the grit and vigor to motivate some fun pit action, though the majority of crowd surfing came later. Even though the Fillmore says they don’t ALLOW crowd surfing, the staff is well trained and knows exactly how to handle it. There was a token man in a full banana costume I’ve seen at past shows rocking out the entire time. Very heartening to see the bobbing yellow appear and then suddenly disappear in the swirling audience.
Always ready for some Jersey boys, Overkill is one of those bands that leaves nothing on the table but fun, hot music. Also helps that their lead singer Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth has charisma the Titanic could float on. Cracking open their set with “Scorched” and then right into “Rotten To The Core,” their tone and pizazz is just so epic. And most assuredly “the best damn firestorm you ever had.”
Drums on point and guitar sticking and crisp, they were a real treat to see live for the first time. Heavy in all the right places with perfectly places breakdowns and riffs, they are exactly what a thrash band should be. All had really great chemistry, but of course the one who has the mic has to be engaging. Bobby made sure to talk to the crowd, exchanging some playful banter and telling the crowd they make him “feel like [he’s] 62 again.” He is of course a spritely 66 but seems like he’s 30. His voice is so unique and perfect for the genre, hard to not be captivated by every lyric. They played a limited set of 9 songs, ending with an OG classic of “Elimination” and a cover of Subhuman’s “Fuck You” which seemed very appropriate and well received by the audience.
Testament is one of those legendary bands that even if you don’t listen to metal music, you’ve probably heard of them from your annoying crusty uncle or local bar grump telling you what to listen to. Even though they may be annoying, they are very much correct in this instance. Been a few years since seeing them in concert, so was curious if their energy would be up to snuff. Self described as the “undisputed titans of thrash” is an accurate assessment. Things got off to a good start after Motorhead’s “Ace of Spades” began playing loudly over the venue speakers, indicating Testament was near. A sizeable mosh pit churned during Motorhead which ceased once the lights dimmed and the beginning of “Eerie Inhabitants” began creeping over the audience.
Testament opened with an absolute banger of a song which should be known well by many Testament fans, “Into the Pit”. They played 14 songs from TEN of their albums. Being able to cherry pick exactly what you want to present from such an illustrious catalog must be nice. Being the perfectionists they are, even restarted “Infanticide A.I.” about halfway through after singer Chuck Billy called the band off and said nope, we are going to do that better for everyone. That’s what I call dedication to your art and your fans. The crowd of course appreciated getting a little more taste of a song they were still enjoying even after a musical misstep. Chuck Billy sounds as good as he ever has live. Alex Skolnick and Eric Peterson showed why Testament has been a force for decades. Metal journeyman Steve Digiorgio was still repping his fretless bass and held down the low end well. Chris Dovas drummed like a maniac, throwing in his own flair to some of the songs (gotta love unexpected, well placed double bass rolls) and meshing well within the ranks of the band.
The mosh pit was leaking out a bit during the last handful of songs. Had to push a few boys back, attempting to help them find the mosh pit a few feet away versus thrash dance in the regular portion of the crowd. I’m all for moshing. Get that stress out. Do it up. But don’t do it where preteens and older gentlemen are trying to stand and enjoy the show. With half of the center being dedicated space to the pit, easy to abide by those courteous basics. They figured it out and melted into the main pit. Last but not least, Testament hashed out the familiar curtain call “Over the Wall” and another night of metal ecstasy in the Twin Cities had ended.
Oh, what a night. Three out of three epic performances. Excellent lineup with a boisterous and lively fanbase that never leaves you bored is what a metal show should be.
