On February 27, 2013 The Dark Roots of Thrash Tour featuring metal rockers Testament rocked the Knitting Factory Concert House in downtown Reno. Also on the bill was Australia's own 4Arm and '80's rockers Flotsam and Jetsam from Phoenix AZ.
Testament is an American thrash metal band from Berkeley, California, who formed in 1983. They are often credited as one of the most popular bands of the 1980s thrash metal scene. In the 30 years since its inception, Testament has had numerous lineup changes, and guitarist Eric Peterson has been the only constant member, although the band currently also features two of its original members, Alex Skolnick (guitarist) and Greg Christian (bass). Front man Chuck Billy replaced former singer Steve Souza in 1986, prior to the recording of their first studio album, The Legacy, and has been a member of the band since. Current drummer Gene Hoglan has been back with the band since 2011. Testament released their latest album, "Dark Roots of Earth" in 2012 to rave reviews.
Attendance for this show was very good for a Wednesday night. At least 700 to 800 metal heads showed up to get thrashed. The circle pit was in full swing and many fans tried to crowd surf their way to the stage and most just found their way straight out the door, (you know who you are). The KNIT security was tight up front since this was the second metal show in a row, The Devil Wears Prada played the night before and the bouncers were ready for the surfers for Testament. The KNIT just wants everyone to have a safe, fun time and not get hurt. Kudos to them.
The set lasted over two hours and went like this, (from the set list on stage)
"Rise Up", "More Than Meets The Eye", "Burnt Offerings", "Native Blood", "True American Hate", "Dark Root Of Earth", "In To The Pit", "Practice", "Ride The Snake", "Eyes Of Wrath", "Trial By Fire", "The Haunting", "New Order", "DNR", "Three Days Of Darkness" and "Formation Of Damn".
Before the show, Testament had a paid meet & greet where you got to meet the band down in the green room and get photos taken with the band plus a bag full of swag. They also had a raffle where two lucky fans got to join the band on stage and sing back-up on "In To The Pit". Very cool, they did a great job.
Opening for Testament were '80's rockers Flotsam and Jetsam who replaced Overkill at the last minute due to a band member illness. These guys killed it.
Flotsam and Jetsam is a thrash metal band that formed in Phoenix, Arizona in 1981. The band has had many line-up changes over the years and the current members include, founding member Kelly David-Smith - (drums), Eric A. 'A.K.' Knutson - (vocals), Ed Carlson - (guitar), Michael Gilbert - (guitar) and Jason Ward - (bass). The band released their 11th studio album "Ugly Noise" in December 2012.
Flots set lasted around 60 minutes and went like this,
"Ugly Noise", "Iron Tears", "Escape From Within", "Hammerhead", "Swatting At Flies", "Gitty Up", "Play Your Part", "Mother f*ckery", "Me", "Hard On You" and "No Place For Disgrace".
These guys rocked it, a very good replacement for Overkill.
Opening the show all the way from Melbourne, Australia was 4ARM.
4ARM are pure, straight-up Thrash Metal band who since 2004 have been musically distinctive, aggressive and explosive. Their set lasted around 45 minutes. (sorry no set list) The band released their latest album "Submission for Liberty" in 2012.
All three bands blew the doors off the Knitting Factory, if you missed this one, you really missed a good one. A great time was had by all.
To see what's up at The Knitting Factory Reno, go to, http://re.knittingfactory.com/.
There's always something going on at The Knitting Factory Reno.
As with all this examiners reviews and feature stories, "The Photos Are What It's All About", so check out the photo slideshow and enjoy the show.
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All photos by, JOHN TUCKNESS
RockMePhoto, http://rockmephoto.smugmug.com/.
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ROCK ON
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