Thrash Metal Legends Testament Take the Stage in San Antonio
San Antonio, get ready to rock! This Saturday, October 19, the legendary thrash metal band Testament will hit the stage at the Aztec Theatre, bringing along the powerhouse support of Kreator and Possessed. It’s shaping up to be an electrifying evening filled with crushing riffs and intense performances that metal fans won’t want to miss!
A Band with Staying Power
It’s been over four decades since Testament first made waves in the metal scene, and their impact is undeniable. Even with a few lineup changes here and there, key elements have remained the same. The unmistakably powerful vocals of Chuck Billy and the truly distinctive guitar work of Alex Skolnick continue to captivate audiences around the globe.
We caught up with Alex Skolnick via Zoom just before a gig in Minnesota. He shared how the band is hard at work on a new album set to be released next year, and they’re seriously excited about how it’s shaping up. Skolnick said, “It feels like a culmination of everything we’ve learned over the years. We are really finding our groove.”
New Album on the Horizon
For those eagerly anticipating new music, you’re in for a treat! Testament is working diligently on this album, aiming to capture their live energy while also incorporating fresh sounds and experiences. Skolnick mentioned, “We’ve been out touring a lot, and each show gives us a bit more inspiration.” The anticipation for this new record is palpable. As Skolnick put it, “It’s always special to share new music with our fans.”
Reflecting on the Past
During our conversation, Skolnick fondly reminisced about his early days taking lessons from the legendary Joe Satriani. “He was serious about his craft, and that focus was exactly what I needed at the time. It shaped my approach to music in ways I’m still discovering.” He chuckled as he recalled others’ warnings about Satriani’s rigorous teaching style, which nevertheless paid off big time for him.
He also made us chuckle when he mused about which of their albums would be most essential if he were ever trapped in a post-apocalyptic bunker. “I’d have to go with The New Order. It just resonates with fans, and we play so many tracks from that record live.” It’s a testament to its lasting popularity and powerful songwriting.
Making Metal Accessible
As we dove deeper into their discography, Skolnick highlighted how changes in media consumption helped broaden their reach. “By the time we released Practice What You Preach, shows like MTV’s Headbangers Ball were instrumental in promoting our music. It was a big deal for us to be featured there.” This exposure helped them break through to a wider audience and set the stage for their ongoing success.
Returning to Roots
In an interesting twist, Skolnick talked about his decision to rejoin Testament after stepping away for a while. The band had faced its fair share of challenges, and once the dust had settled, he was drawn back to what felt like family. “When I came back, it was organic. We had some great offers to play shows, and it just felt right,” he said. The camaraderie endured, and their bond strengthened over time, enabling them to produce new material together.
Get Ready for a Thrilling Show
As Saturday approaches, excitement is building for what promises to be an unforgettable night of heavy metal. You can grab tickets for the show starting at just $53, with premium seating options available up to $111.50. The show kicks off at 6:50 p.m. at the Aztec Theatre, located at 104 N. St. Mary’s St..
Join the Metal Community
Don’t miss your chance to experience Testament live in San Antonio, alongside Kreator and Possessed. Let’s come together as a community of fans to celebrate the music we love. Whether you’ve been jamming to them since the ‘80s or just discovered their sound, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the energy of live metal. Be there or be square!
