[Ian] I was not that excited about the second 'Powerfest' since my intentions was to see ICED EARTH. Nevertheless, I was definitely looking forward to seeing SUIDAKRA and DARKANE. Unfortunately, CHAOSWAVE had immigration problems so they wouldn't be playing. SACRED DAWN stepped in and played though I missed their performance due to the wonderful train schedule changing on the weekends. Though I have seen them before and they are absolutely jaw dropping live.

I caught a tiny bit of TWELFTH GATE as I entered the venue and to my ears they had a different sound then what I recalled from Powerfest '06. It was a much more polished thrash kinda of sound perhaps, very unique. Then it was off to accompany Dimitris in his interview with Chuck from TESTAMENT.

Afterwards, I assumed my position in the photo pit for SUIDAKRA who absolutely wailed. Easily the highlight of the set was Fourth Clyde. The song was epic as fuck and probably the most folk influenced track they played. I definitely prefer the tracks from their catalogue that had more of a folk influence. They were extremely energetic as well and a true thrill to watch the great time they were having on the stage.

DARKANE was up next and I had seen them before on the FEAR FACTORY and STRAPPING YOUNG LAD tour a few years back. At that point in time I thoroughly enjoyed them, but I can't say that this time around. DARKANE had enlisted a new singer that I didn't much care for. Then the security guards for whatever reason had no concept of what was going on all weekend and they wouldn't let me back in the photo pit. So I couldn't really see the stage show as well as the other bands.
The headliner finally coming to the stage and the crowd was restless. The crowd went into a huge frenzy something that I couldn't see during ICED EARTH's set due to being in front of the barrier. It was truly a sight to see. I myself am not the biggest TESTAMENT so I will let Dimitris' do all the talking from here.

[Dimitris] TESTAMENT were the main reason to attend the second day of Chicago's 'Powerfest' since the rest of the bands were definitely not my cup of tea. In fact this is the only complaint I had about this two-day festival since they chose bands that were way different than the headlining acts ICED EARTH and TESTAMENT in the context of covering more genres.

During the preparations upon the stage for the headliners I realized that most of the people had come to see exclusively TESTAMENT not only because it is an important chapter in the Heavy Metal history but due to their impressive come-back with The Formation Of Damnation.

So, the lights went out and THIN LIZZY's The Boys Are Back In Town prepared us for TESTAMENT Thrash attack. The band entered with Over The Wall and things got crazy! The crowd after some shouting and clapping formed a glorious mosh pit that remained active and violent throughout the setlist. Having talked to Chuck Billy a few hours ago I was totally surprised by his on-stage presence because during the interview he was extremely calm and really cool. The whole band came with an impressive high mood proving that this reunion is here to stay! Paul Bostaph did his stuff by tormenting his drum-kit underling Chuck saying that he was the excellent choice for TESTAMENT.

The band without stopping made our necks snap with the Thrasher Into The Pit and the classic Apocalyptic City. Even though I had a photo pass I chose to remain in the crowd because you cannot enjoy bands like TESTAMENT by just watching; you have to get on the pit, sweat and bang your head till it bleeds! Although, Alex had a not that genuine Metal look (look the photos to see for yourself) he was a shredding beast performing his lead without loosing a note and joining Eric Peterson in the riff assault. Paul Bostaph, as Chuck said, was the excellent choice behind the drum-kit that was tormented during the entire concert. Greg Christian did well with his bass even though he had some additional drinks and other stuff in the context of his birthday celebrations. The band did the new tracks More Than Meets The Eye, The Evil has Landed and Henchmen Ride where Chuck said that it is dedicated to all the motorcycle riders.

Another dedication came with the song Low where the charismatic frontman mentioned John Tempesta 's contribution to the homonymous album. Talkative Chuck said some things about saving the planet and getting more active against the governments introducing a shorter version of another personal favorite Trail Of Tears.

After The Preacher the band left the stage, returned under our ecstatic screams who just wanted more and did four more songs. To my eyes and ears Alone In The Dark proved as the best moment during the encore that left us more than sweaty and completely satisfied! I think that TESTAMENT have entered a second era that hopefully will give us more good Thrash Metal albums.

TESTAMENT setlist:

01. Over The Wall
02. Into The Pit
03. Apocalyptic City
04. Practice What You Preach
05. The New Order
06. Electric Crown
07. More Than Meets The Eye
08. Low
09. Trail Of Tears
10. Henchmen Ride
11. Souls Of Black
12. The Evil Has Landed
13. The Preacher

14. D.N.R. (Do Not Resuscitate)
15. Three Days In Darkness
16. Alone In The Dark
17. Disciples Of The Watch

(photos by the trolls)

SUIDAKRA

DARKANE

TESTAMENT