On October 8th, the Fillmore Silver Spring hosted a monumental night of thrash metal as Kreator and Testament brought their Klash of the Titans tour to Maryland. The tour, which pairs two of the most influential bands in the genre, was a relentless display of speed, aggression, and tight musicianship, with both bands delivering performances that fans will be talking about for years to come.
Kreator, the legendary German thrashers, opened the night with explosive energy. Known for their relentless riffs and powerful themes, the band has been a driving force in the thrash metal scene since the 1980s. Frontman Mille Petrozza led the charge with his unmistakable growl, commanding the stage as the band tore through a setlist that included fan favorites like “Phantom Antichrist,” “Violent Revolution,” and, of course, “Pleasure to Kill.” The crowd responded with nonstop headbanging, moshing, and screams of approval, especially when the band brought out their signature stage props. Kreator’s tight execution and fierce intensity proved they’re still one of the top acts in thrash.
After Kreator’s ferocious set, Testament took the stage to a thunderous ovation. Hailing from California’s Bay Area, Testament has been a cornerstone of the thrash metal scene since the mid-1980s. Chuck Billy’s booming vocals and Eric Peterson’s razor-sharp guitar work immediately took command. Their set was a powerful mix of classics like “Into the Pit,” “The New Order,” and “Over the Wall,” alongside newer material from their more recent albums like Titans of Creation. Testament’s performance was flawless, with lead guitarist Alex Skolnick shredding through solos while the band’s rhythm section, anchored by bassist Steve Di Giorgio and drummer Gene Hoglan, drove the crowd into a frenzy with nearly immediate crowd surfing and mosh pits.
Both bands showcased their staying power, proving that they’re still at the top of their game decades into their careers. The chemistry between the band members, the precision of the performances, and the raw energy shared with the crowd made for an unforgettable night. The Klash of the Titans tour continues to live up to its name, as Kreator and Testament once again demonstrated why they are titans of the genre.
Special thanks to Adrenaline PR for access to this show! Fans who missed this stop should make it a priority to catch the tour at one of its upcoming dates—this is thrash metal at its finest!
