Live Review: Anthrax and Kreator - Civic Hall, Wolverhampton
Support: Testament
22nd November 2024
Words: Cat Finch
Photos: Tim Finch
In a night filled with bombastic riffs and adrenaline-pumping energy, thrash legends Testament, Kreator, and Anthrax stormed Wolverhampton's Civic Hall, delivering a metal masterclass in furocity. This triple-threat lineup promised a night to remember, and it delivered in spades.
Kicking off the evening, Testament wasted no time unleashing their ferocious brand of thrash. Opening with the blistering ‘D.N.R. (Do Not Resuscitate)’, they charged through a set packed with classics and newer material, seamlessly blending raw aggression and Alex Skolnicks technical prowess.
Highlights included the crushing ‘The Formation of Damnation’ and the anthemic ‘Native Blood’, both of which had the crowd chanting along. The pit hit its first fever pitch during ‘Into the Pit’, a timeless thrash anthem that showcased Chuck Billy's commanding presence and Eric Peterson's razor-sharp riffing. Testament’s set was a perfect warm-up, leaving the crowd primed and ready.
With the crowd suitably warmed up, Kreator took the stage with their signature mix of intensity and precision. Opening with ‘Hate Über Alles’, the German quartet quickly asserted their dominance, filling the venue with a wall of sound that felt as relentless as it was exhilarating.
The setlist was a mix of old-school classics like ‘Pleasure to Kill’ and modern staples such as ‘Phantom Antichrist’". Mille Petrozza’s fiery charisma shone as he commanded the crowd, particularly during the anthemic ‘Hail to the Hordes’. The synchronized headbanging during ‘Violent Revolution’ was a sight to behold, embodying Kreator’s enduring appeal. Clocking in at 75 minutes, their set was a whirlwind of melodic leads, punishing rhythms, and unrelenting energy.
Closing the night, Anthrax took the stage with a party-like atmosphere that contrasted perfectly with Kreator’s militant intensity. They launched into ‘A.I.R.’, setting a tone of exuberance and fun that carried through their entire set. Joey Belladonna's soaring vocals and Scott Ian's iconic rhythm work were as tight as ever, proving why Anthrax top the b ill tonight and remain one of thrash’s "Big Four."
Classics like ‘Caught in a Mosh’ and ‘Madhouse’ turned the Civic Hall into a sea of jumping, headbanging fans, scenes the venue hasn’t seen since long before is closed for refurbishment many years ago. Newer tracks like ‘The Devil You Know showcased their ability to evolve without losing their edge. The singalong moments of ‘Antisocial’ were unforgettable, with the audience loudly joining in for every chorus.
Anthrax closed with a blazing rendition of ‘Indians’ and 'Gung-Ho' a fitting capstone to a night of thrash perfection.
For fans of thrash, this was a dream lineup. The chemistry and contrast between the three bands ensured there was never a dull moment. It wasn’t just a concert, it was a celebration of the enduring power of classic thrash metal.
Photo Credits: Tim Finch Photography
