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The Klash of the Titans North American Tour tore through The Ritz in Raleigh on October 12, 2024, delivering a brutal triple bill of extreme metal. Co-headlined by Testament and Kreator and opened by Possessed, this 33-date tour spanned the United States and Canada, uniting fans across borders. The tour was inspired by a shared desire to honor thrash and death metal’s uncompromising roots, without relying on nostalgia. Each band performed with full force. Testament used the tour to reinforce their enduring legacy, while Kreator spotlighted the continued relevance of their most recent material. A highlight fans loved—Testament’s Chuck Billy occasionally brought fans onstage during sets, adding rare moments of spontaneity to an otherwise surgically tight tour.

Possessed, from the Bay Area in California, is widely regarded as the originator of death metal. The lineup features Jeff Becerra (vocals), Daniel Gonzalez (guitar), Claudeous Creamer (guitar), Robert Cardenas (bass), and Chris Aguirre (drums). Their foundational albums include Seven Churches (1985), Beyond the Gates (1986), The Eyes of Horror(1987), and the powerful comeback Revelations of Oblivion (2019). Jeff Becerra, performing from a wheelchair since a 1989 shooting, remains one of the strongest frontmen in metal. The band is credited with inspiring countless death and extreme metal acts. You can find their official merch and updates here:
https://possessedofficial.bigcartel.com

Possessed

Kreator, from Essen, Germany, delivered one of the most technically proficient and politically driven sets of the night. Their current lineup includes Mille Petrozza (vocals/guitar), Sami Yli-Sirniö (lead guitar), Frédéric Leclercq (bass), and Jürgen “Ventor” Reil (drums). Their catalog includes Endless Pain (1985), Pleasure to Kill (1986), Terrible Certainty(1987), Coma of Souls (1990), Phantom Antichrist (2012), Gods of Violence (2017), and Hate Über Alles (2022). Kreator has been recognized not only for their music but for their vocal anti-fascist stance and support for social justice causes. Their full discography, merch, and tour information can be found here:
https://www.kreator-terrorzone.de

Kreator

Testament, from Berkeley, California, closed the night with ferocity and precision. The lineup features Chuck Billy (vocals), Eric Peterson (rhythm guitar), Alex Skolnick (lead guitar), Steve Di Giorgio (bass), and Chris Dovas (drums). Their discography includes The Legacy (1987), The New Order (1988), Practice What You Preach (1989), The Gathering (1999), Dark Roots of Earth (2012), Brotherhood of the Snake (2016), and Titans of Creation (2020). Chuck Billy, a cancer survivor and member of the Pomo Native American tribe, has supported causes related to cancer awareness and indigenous rights. Testament’s live show proved why they remain essential in the global metal scene. Official merchandise, tour dates, and band news can be found at:
https://www.testamentlegions.com

Testament

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