Testament - Oxford 02 Academy - 19th February

This is one that I have looked forward to for the last 2 months - the chance to see a legendary thrash band in a small setting.

First up Onslaught. I saw them once over 20 years ago supporting Agent Steel. Well, not a lot has changed really .In fact I saw more headbanging in their 45 minute set than I have for a long time. Still led by Sy Keeler on vox (the rest of the band, if I am honest, I can't remember) They were better when they slowed down a little to give a bit more groove. They didn't do their "Let There Be Rock" cover. In fact the only ones I remembered were "Metal Forces" and "Let There Be Death" off The Force. OK..seems they split up in 1990 and returned in 2005 and drummer and geetar #2 (Nige Rockett) are still in the band. (Google is a wonderful thing..ed)
Testament were fantastic. Simple as that.

Their brand of thrash is a a joy.Heavy as hell but with groove and Alex Skolnick's melodic solos over the top. Their 80 minute set had 2 from the great new cd The Formation Of Damnation and plenty of top songs from the last 20 years. My all time favourite "Practice What You Preach" was stunning. Skolnick hit the solo to perfection and just as you think he is stopping it goes to greater heights. Also played were "Over The Wall", "Souls Of Black", "Electric Crown" (which would have won top song but for PWYP), "Disciples Of The Watch", "First Strike Is Deadly", "D.N.R." , "Into The Pit". and countless others.

Chuck Billy(vox) roared his way through the night and seemed genuinely touched by the Oxford welcome and Eric Peterson riffed like a good 'un all night and as I said earlier, Alex Skolnick topped it off like a dream. Special mention also to Paul Bostaph on drums who was awesome.
Can't say how good the night was followed up by a trip to Chicken Cottage and walking back to the car a handshake with Mr Skolnick. Sir you are star and I look forward to seeing them again in 2 nights. More of that shortly!!

10/10. ME

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