I was going to start by saying this wasn't your father's Tuesday night, but actually it was. The lead singer of Exodus, Steve Souza, even thanked the dads for bringing their sons to the show tonight. Both Exodus and Testament are long time California origin rockers with 68 years of history between them. Yes,that's 35 for Exodus and 32 for Testament. You also probably didn't know that Kirk Hammett of Metallica was an original member of Exodus. Despite the years both Exodus and Testament had the energetic crowd thrashing away as they sampled from their first 3 albums. Neither band has lost the frenetic sound of thrash metal. No wonder these bands have gone through members like flies. It was the first show I've been to in Louisville since Louder Than Life that had a mosh pit of flying bodies and the kids in the pit had trouble keeping up the thrashing all night.
Exodus has gone through extensive lineup changes (and 2 band member deaths) with the drummer, Tom Hunting, being the only original member left after he departed twice but returned for good 8 years ago. Guitarist Gary Holt has been with Exodus since 1980 and upon arriving to the venue and seeing his t-shirt I immediately realized the Tuesday evening trip was worth it.
Like Exodus, Testament has undergone extensive lineup changes over the years with lead singer, Chuck Billy, and guitarist Eric Peterson being the original members. It was clear those who ventured out this Tuesday evening to see these legendary thrash metal bands were not disappointed. If they're like me they'll have the bullet-like drumming beat in their heads all week (along with constant ear ringing).
Testament photos:
A special shout out goes to Mallory Kramer from Mercury Ballroom/Live Nation who secured Louisville.com's access just before the show started by tracking them down herself when they arrived at the venue!
Photos: www.ghirschphoto.com
