LIVE: TESTAMENT – Portland, OR, USA – March 14, 2026

Venue: Roseland Theater

City: Portland, OR

Date: March 14, 2026

Review and Photographs by: James Zambon (https://jameszambon.com)

The Thrash of the Titans Tour roared to life with a night that reminded everyone why this genre still commands such fierce loyalty. German thrash veterans Destruction kicked things off, and from the moment they hit the stage it was clear they had plenty of supporters in the crowd. A sizable contingent of fans had turned out early specifically to see them, and the band fed off that energy immediately. With relentless riffs and pounding drums, Destruction tore through their set while thrashing and headbanging with the same intensity that helped define the genre decades ago. Their enthusiasm was contagious and served as the perfect ignition point for the evening. Tour openers Overkill followed and wasted no time keeping that momentum rolling. Even with an abbreviated set in the opening slot, the band packed in a surprising number of fan favorites. From the opening punch of “Scorched” through staples like “Rotten to the Core,” “Hello From the Gutter,” and the crushing “Ironbound,” Overkill delivered a tight and ferocious performance that had the crowd fully warmed up. Bassist D.D. Verni was absent from the lineup, but stepping in for the night was former Fear Factory bassist Christian Olde Wolbers, who more than held his own. Verni’s presence is undeniably part of the Overkill DNA, but Wolbers brought power and precision to the role and fit seamlessly into the band’s tight rhythm section. The band also paused to pay tribute to Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell, who had passed away the day before on March 13th, delivering a heartfelt acknowledgment that resonated strongly with the crowd. Even with the shorter opening-slot runtime, Overkill managed to cram in a formidable set that reminded everyone why they remain one of thrash metal’s most enduring forces.

After a brief intermission, the house lights dimmed and Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades” blasted through the venue speakers as the final walk-on music. The iconic track played over the PA before transitioning into the eerie intro music of “Eerie Inhabitants,” building anticipation as the band took the stage. Testament then launched straight into “Into the Pit,” igniting the crowd and immediately sending the pit into motion. From there the band delivered a relentless run of thrash staples including “Native Blood,” “Low,” and “Sins of Omission,” while also treating longtime fans to rarities like “The Evil Has Landed,” performed live for the first time since 2013, along with “John Doe” and “So Many Lies,” both making their first appearances in the set since 2000. One of the night’s standout elements was watching Alex Skolnick work. I’ve long been a fan of his playing, and seeing him perform live is always a reminder of just how fluid and technically brilliant he is. Skolnick casually tore through Testament’s notoriously complex riffs and leads with what looked like effortless precision, at times smiling and waving to the audience while the mosh pit in front of the stage churned with ever-increasing intensity. It’s a rare combination of virtuosity and stage presence that makes his performance as entertaining to watch as it is impressive to hear. Frontman Chuck Billy was equally commanding. Decades into his career, Billy continues to deliver Testament’s songs with remarkable consistency. His voice still carries the same grit and power that defined the band’s classic recordings, and hearing him roar through tracks like “WWIII,” “John Doe,” and “So Many Lies” served as a reminder of just how durable and disciplined a vocalist he remains.

Seeing a tour’s opening night can sometimes be a gamble. Bands are still settling into the rhythm of the run, dialing in the production, and feeling out the pacing of the show. But this kickoff of the Thrash of the Titans Tour landed squarely in the win column. Between Destruction’s explosive opening set, Overkill’s relentless middle slot, and Testament’s razor-sharp headlining performance, the night delivered exactly what thrash fans came for: speed, power, and the kind of intensity that turns a concert into a full-blown sonic assault.

TESTAMENT SETLIST: Into the Pit – The Evil Has Landed – Henchmen Ride – For the Love of Pain – Infanticide A.I. – Shadow People – WWIII – John Doe – Low – Native Blood – Sins of Omission – So Many Lies – The Ballad – Over the Wall

OVERKILL SETLIST: Scorched – Rotten to the Core – Bring Me the Night – Hello From the Gutter – Deny the Cross – The Surgeon – Ironbound – Elimination – Fuck You

DESTRUCTION SETLIST: Curse the Gods – Death Trap – Nailed to the Cross – Scumbag Human Race – Mad Butcher – No Kings No Masters – Bestial Invasion – Thrash ’Til Death – Destruction

[Show as slideshow]

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Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries