Testament team up with Kreator for ‘Klash Of The Titans’ co-headline stop at The Van Buren

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Hmmm… there’s something that’s been knawing at me somewhat for the better part of the ’00s.

Many of you reading this will recall the infamous summer 2010 Big Four tour where Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax played I believe fourteen shows (twelve in Europe and two in America, respectively) in total.

Unfortunately, there was one glaring omission on that tour of a band that remain every bit as viable and relevant as any of the aforementioned “Big Four” of thrash metal— to this day.

That band would be none other than Testament. In other words, the Big Four tour should’ve been the Big FIVE tour. Frankly, that should’ve been a no-brainer on Metallica’s part. But I digress.

Rant over.


In addition to working on a new album that they’re hoping to release in early 2025, Testament’s current incarnation (consisting of vocalist Chuck Billy, guitarists Eric Peterson and Alex Skolnick, bassist Steve DiGiorgio, and newest member on drums, Chris Dovas) is getting ready to go out on a co-headlining tour with Kreator.

Opening the North American tour will be another veteran Bay Area act, Possessed, which commences Sept. 12 in Reno, NV. The tour hits Phoenix on Thur. Oct. 24 at The Van Buren.

I spoke briefly with Dovas over the phone earlier this summer, and asked him about the first show he played with the band. It just happened to be in… Phoenix. Yes, at The Van Buren no less, in September 2022.

Dovas remembered it well.

“Oh, it was amazing”, he said. “I was approached to fill in for Dave Lombardo because he had a scheduling conflict with his other band, The Misfits. I remember the audience response was incredible that night.”

He added. “I loved the venue as well. The staff was so professional and kind to us. Personally, I can’t wait to play Phoenix again.”

For the Klash of the Titans tour, Testament will be re-visiting their first two albums (1987’s The Legacy and 1988’s The New Order, respectively).

The aforementioned albums were also remastered and re-released in July.

At press time, the band will be playing select cuts from each album for the majority of the set. They’ll also try to sprinkle in a few songs from later releases as well.

It’s probably safe to say that Dovas will stay faithful to what original drummer Louie Clemente contributed to those first two classic albums, no?

“Yes, for sure”, Dovas said. “However, I think it’s important that I put my
own stamp on the songs as well. I’ll add a little changes here and there, but they’re definitely respectful to the songs.”

He continued. “Ultimately. my goal is to play the songs well, and make the band sound as good as possible. So far, it’s been fantastic.”

When one thinks of some of the drummers who were part of Testament’s history like Paul Bostaph, Gene Hoglan, and Dave Lombardo, it’s clear that Dovas in in good company.

“I grew up listening to Testament”, Dovas said proudly. “Sure, when I joined it was a little nerve-wracking following in Gene’s footsteps. But the band was really encouraging and supportive of me, so that obviously made it easier.”

Dovas concluded. “Not only are Gene and Dave two of my all-time favorite drummers, it’s even better that I can now call them my friends.”

IF YOU GO:
Klash of the Titans Testament and Kreator, w/ special guests Possessed are scheduled to perform on Thursday, October 24 at The Van Buren in downtown Phoenix.

Tickets start at $58.00 and are available at Livenation.com