The Bay Strikes Back Tour
Rustbelt Rock Reviews
By: Z.M. Delgado
Zackolantern.com
Volume #10: The Bay Strikes Back: Testament, Exodus & Death Angel
May 10th, 2022
Agora Theater, 5000 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103
Well, I have been waiting a long time to write this one. Several years in fact, though I am far too lazy to look it up to find out the exact amount of time in question. Of course I am referring to the looming specter of our current zeitgeist: COVID, and its concert interrupting restrictions. The spectacle in question is the much anticipated “The Bay Strikes Back” tour, which features three of the biggest and baddest names in Thrash Metals ranks: Testament, Exodus and Death Angel. For those of you not hip to the lore, these are among the earliest and most influential bands in the American Thrash movement of the 1980’s. They helped set the sound, tempo and ferocity that would allow Thrash to grow into a global phenomenon in the 1990’s. There is too much deep and interesting history in this tale for me to start rambling now on the larger subject. (If you’re looking for a crash course in Thrash history I suggest you check out the book and accompanying film “Murder in the Front Row.”) What we are here to do this evening, is discuss a show: A show that was originally scheduled in the long, long ago, in the before times… on a Saturday night. When the plague to end all plagues finally allowed us to resume a semblance of normal life, the Cleveland date got reshuffled to a Tuesday. This was a bummer, as it obviously affected a lot of peoples work schedules and subsequently their ability to thrash to their full potential. However I will take a Thrash concert on a Tuesday over no Thrash concert at all, so there was really no option, but slap on my battle vest and get my old ass to the show.
As part of the great Tuesday inconvenience I was forced to wait for Chen to adjourn a meeting of the minds with his robotics team. (He claims he is working to interest students in engineering and robotics based careers. I however believe he is a deep cover operative for SKYNET, looking to recruit assets: I will keep you appraised as I build my dossier.) I started getting into the vibe around 3:30pm, not fully considering that Chen would not be by to fetch me for two hours. I passed the time by rapidly consuming beers and listening to an audio version of “American Psycho.” By the time Chen arrived, my mind was sufficiently twisted by booze and horror to put me in the perfect mood for an evening at my favorite club. We arrived at The Agora Theater shortly before doors, and saw a lengthy line of eager Headbangers had already formed outside the club. We found a great spot in the grass lot ($20) and cracked a brew. In the spot next to us, a pair of cars pulled in, loaded with some young bloods. They popped out and started quizzing Chen on club policies: What’s security like? What’s the weed smoking situation? Can you bring in outside booze? Things like that. Some of the questions seemed pretty basic, and relatively common knowledge, but Chen answered them none the less. This peaked my curiosity, and I decided I wanted to ask them a few questions of my own; so hoped out of the car to chat. They had popped a squat on the ground and cracked open some tall cans. I introduced myself, gave them my card and was invited to join them. Soon after that they produced at least three doobies, as fat as my thumb, and began roasting them in unison. These kids had clearly come to party, and were wasting no time. We chatted for a while and I learned the reason why they had so many questions about policy. These guys were pretty green, no pun intended. Of the six, four of them had never been to a show before. I became seriously excited for them at this point. My first show was Metallica, so I know the effect live Bay Area Thrash Metal can have on impressionable young minds. The bands they were slated to see are undeniably legends in the genre. I assured them, they were about to have one hell of a first show. Before long, Chen reminded me that we had somewhere to be, I thanked the guys for their time, and we headed in. (They predicted I wouldn’t remember their names, and they were right. I regret that I neglected to write them down. Lol. I did run into them later, and true to my own prophecy: they were having a blast.)
Once through security we grabbed beers and ran into our old friend Danina and her boys from “NE Ohio Metal Heads” (Facebook Group). They had just returned from seeing “The Metal Tour of the Year” in Pittsburgh the night prior. I was amazed (and deeply wounded) to hear that Megadeth performed “Angry Again,” my all time favorite track by the band and one I have yet to see live. (YET! Someday Mustaine! Someday!) After getting Danina’s update, we headed to the merch table. The line was insanely long and moving slow. I was pretty loaded and feeling annoyed so I went on a brief scouting mission. Walking to the head of the line, I discovered that the vast majority of the line was Testament fans, and both Death Angel and Exodus tables were devoid of customers. It turns out that somehow people got duped into thinking there was one line for all three tables. I called bullshit on this, signaled to Chen and shouted “Manifest Destiny!” I strolled up to the Exodus vendor where I secured a dope tour Tee, new patch and ridiculously under priced autographed poster ($20 bucks, maybe $25. I don’t remember. It’s a damn steal either way.) Chen swooped in right behind me, and another dude followed suit. That began a deluge of Death Angel and Exodus fans who were tired of waiting. The line quickly broke up and everybody got where they were going a lot faster. Not for the first time, Chen and I were heroes: You’re welcome for our service.
On our way back up from the ballroom, we ran into Mr. Dylan Andras (Guitar,Vocals/Assault), who was still tied up waiting for merch. We paid our respects, but knew it was getting close to show time. (We’ll see him do his thing at the Grog Shop on the 27th, so we can catch up then.) We went to the bar where Chen grabbed another round (the man is saint) as well as earplugs. We made the bonehead mistake of forgetting ours in the car...
Hold up. Sidebar: Let me take a moment to harp on this to all of you, especially the younger Metalheads; and this goes double for those of you who are in bands: WEAR FUCKING EARPLUGS! I can’t stress this enough. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know it sucks, but let me tell you this: I wish every day I would have taken this seriously when I was 16 and started going to indoor venues for the first time. Now on the other side of 40, I have some permanent hearing loss and constant tinnitus. You can get a solid pair of High Fidelity plugs on Amazon for less than $20, and they kick ass. They don’t give you the “muffling” that you get with bulky foam plugs. The kind I currently use, made by Mac’s, are on the cheaper side, and they give me a pretty good experience without ringing in my ears after. I’d wager to guess a higher end pair might be worth the money. I’ll let you know if I ever upgrade. So, wear earplugs. I want to listen to Heavy Metal every day until the day I die, and I can’t do that if I go deaf from being a dumbass. I’d imagine you could see some logic in that. Ok, end PSA.
Death Angel
As we rolled up our posters, stuffed our earplugs in and tried not to spill our PBR, we heard the crowd welcome Death Angel to the stage. The boys wasted no time, as they quickly dove into the classic track “Evil Priest” followed by “Voracious Souls” both from their 1987 debut “The Ultra Violence.” By this time Chen and I had woven our way from bar lobby to the center of the pit. The crowd was loosely packed, but more than sufficient to fill the floor. I noticed, that while many like me were headbanging with vigor, a mosh pit failed to coalesce for some time. I do not know for sure what caused this. I wonder if it the early 6:50 set time; if it was the fact that Death Angel was the first act, or if the Tuesday thing was causing the Cleveland Metal scene to show an uncharacteristic level of restraint. Whatever the root of this nonevent, it certainly had nothing to do with Death Angel or their performance. I have seen them many times over the years, and I can tell you they just keep getting better. The last two albums have been really outstanding, and the songs have added a lot of power to the set. This night at Agora was no exception. In fact, I remember turning to Chen mid way through the set and commenting that I thought they sounded exceptionally good. The next thing I remember saying was “All I need now is ‘The Moth’ and ‘The Dream Calls for Blood’” and I got them both, but in opposite order, back to back. They followed that with another of my personal favorites, the title track off the newest record “Humanicide.” Closing out the set with “Thrown to the Wolves,” Death Angel said goodnight to what I assume was a lot of cheering. I can’t say for certain because, as is often the case, I was so engrossed in my own screams, I became oblivious to the surrounding room. Death Angel has once again proved to me why they are such respected members of the great pantheon of Thrash Gods. They have never lost a step in speed and aggression, fine tuning their song writing and getting heavier every time out. I truly believe that Death Angel is a better band now than they have ever been at any point in their past.
Death Angel
After Death Angel, Chen and quickly made are way back up and then back down to the floor. We did not want to risk being blocked out of the pit area at any point of the night, especially not for Exodus. We’ve only caught them once in the past, and it has been a while. Taking into account the shut down, and Gary Holt's time in Slayer, the “Persona Non Grata” tour has been a long time coming and I have been absolutely itching for it. For the record, I highly recommend the new Exodus album. It is an astounding work of ferocity and precision, and though it was considerably overdue… it was worth the wait. Even if you prefer Rob Dukes over Zetro on the vocals, I believe the song writing on this record is strong enough to bridge the gap. If you love Thrash and do not own “Persona Non Grata,” buy it today. But now the true test was at hand, it was time to try some of that new material on veteran ears of the Cleveland Metal Scene.
Exodus
They opened with one of “PNR’s” most vicious tracks, “The Beatings Will Continue (Until Morale Improves)” followed by legendary ripper “A Lesson in Violence.” This became a pattern throughout the set, seamlessly weaving the new material in between old favorites. Drawing from six different albums in total, but “PNR” and “Bonded by Blood” accounted for 7 of the 11 song beating Exodus administered to Cleveland’s loyal. “Deathamphetamine,” “Blacklist” and “Piranha” in quick succession was more than enough reason to send the floor into a fury. They then slowed it down for “Prescribing Horror” before sending the room into a death spiral: closing out with “Bonded by Blood,” “The Toxic Waltz” and “Strike of the Beast.”
Zetro demands a Wall of Death
Exodus received an exhausted, but passionate and appreciative cheer from the moshers when they were finished with them. Obviously moral was very high, and thus the beatings had ceased… for now. Testament was still set to do their worst, but before they could the crowd got a very special conversation. We got to hear from, and I am overjoyed to be saying this, Mr. Tom Hunting, Exodus founding drummer. Tom is back from his battle with stomach cancer, out on the road, and beating the hell out of his skins like he never left. He talked with us for a few minutes. He thanked us for our support over the years and during his illness. He went on to express his appreciation for life and for being back on the stage, seeing all of us again. It was a powerful moment. I know I speak for millions of Exodus fans when I say “Good luck, Tom. Stay healthy. Stay strong. Welcome home, brother.”
Testament
Rewind the tape and replay. Bar, bathroom, back to floor in a hurry. Once down there and in place, we came across Chris Maggot (Vocals/Mutilation Barbecue). We didn’t have time for much more than a hello, as Testament quickly took control of the room without mercy. Opening the set with “Children of the Next Level” from their newest album “Titans of Creation,” Chuck Billy stormed center stage and loomed like mad Sasquatch as he snarled his way through the set. Alex Skolnick frequently stood atop his monitors, wearing his trademark smile, while unleashing solos that freakishly display why he is among the best in the industry.
Alex Skolnick
Drawing from 8 different albums they gave the crowd a look at some of their very best material from a long and respected career. 14 songs and an impressive solo piece by bassist Steve DiGiorgio filled out the evening. They closed out their set with classic tracks “Over the Wall,” “Into the Pit,” and “Disciples of the Watch,” leaving Cleveland’s Thrashers in sweaty, bleeding pile of elated dehydration.
Testament
I located Chen at the rear of the club, and made our way out to the parking lot. We headed home in the highest of spirits; after all there is little in this world the two of us enjoy more than a good Thrash show. That sentiment is echoed on into eternity when you are talking about a show that was as absolutely flawless as “The Bay Strikes Back." All three bands are truly at the top of their games. Every solo, every beat, every note, every flourish was perfect. I have seen all of these bands in the past, and they have never disappointed. Without splitting hairs or debating setlist choices, I don’t know that I have ever seen them better. These bands have lost none of their skill over the years, but have gained the wisdom and experience to really make the most of it at this junction of their careers. Part of the credit has to go to Agora Theater whose sound and lighting was spot on throughout the entirety of the performance. In short, Chen and I had an incredible time at “The Bay Strikes Back.” Sorry, to end so abruptly, but I need to get to bed. As it stands, Chen will be here to pick me up in about 8 hours. We have a date with Danzig in Cincinnati tomorrow night. But that’s next time, so until then...
Rock on, Rustbelt!
-Z.M. Delgado
May 13-14, 2022
exodusattack.com
testamentlegions.com
agoracleveland.com
