There are concerts, and then there are nights where legends converge, delivering a sonic assault that rattles the very foundations of a venue. The Thrash of the Titans Tour brought exactly that to the 3Olympia Theatre in Dublin on October 9th, with a stacked lineup featuring thrash and death metal heavyweights Testament, Obituary, Destruction, and Nervosa. From the first note to the final encore, it was a relentless display of speed, aggression, and pure metal energy.
The night kicked off with Nervosa, the Brazilian-Greek thrash/death outfit who wasted no time making their presence known. With blistering riffs, pounding drums, and a ferocious stage presence, Nervosa proved why they are a force to be reckoned with. Though they were the opening act, they played like headliners, stirring the first mosh pits of the night and drawing plenty of support from the already packed venue. Their unique blend of death-infused thrash set a strong tone for what was to follow.
Next up were German thrash veterans Destruction, bringing with them decades of experience and raw Teutonic power. With a barrage of classic riffs and razor-sharp execution, they delivered a tight, fast-paced set that catered perfectly to long-time fans and newcomers alike. Destruction kept the crowd in a frenzy, with fists in the air and mosh pits swirling from the moment they hit the stage. Songs like “Mad Butcher” and “Thrash Till Death” hit particularly hard, proving that the old guard still knows how to command a stage.
When Obituary took the stage, the atmosphere shifted into heavier territory. The Florida death metal legends unleashed a thunderous set that felt like an earthquake rumbling through the venue. With their signature sludge-laden riffs and John Tardy’s unmistakable growls, Obituary brought an intensity that was both punishing and cathartic. From “Redneck Stomp” to “Slowly We Rot,” their set was a masterclass in controlled chaos. For me personally, Obituary stole the night, brutal, tight, and utterly commanding. While every band brought something unique, there was something about Obituary’s raw heaviness and groove that hit hardest.
Finally, Testament closed the night with a ferocious headline set that reminded everyone why they are thrash royalty. Chuck Billy was in top form, both vocally and in his presence. Their setlist spanned decades, from classics like “Into the Pit” to newer crushers like “Infanticide A.I..” Testament’s musicianship was flawless, with Alex Skolnick shredding with surgical precision and Gene Hoglan delivering blast beats with machine-like consistency. The band’s custom backdrop and light show added another layer of spectacle to an already unforgettable performance.
What made this night so special wasn’t just the sheer talent on stage, but the electric energy of the Dublin crowd. From start to finish, the audience was fully engaged headbanging, moshing, and singing along with genuine passion. Every band was met with massive cheers and relentless energy, showing that the Irish metal scene is alive, well, and ready to rage.
The Thrash of the Titans Tour lives up to its name. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the genre or someone curious about what thrash metal has to offer, this tour is a must-see. Each band brings a distinct sound and energy, creating a lineup that never lets up. While Obituary was the standout for me personally, there wasn’t a single weak link in the lineup. This was a celebration of metal in its purest form loud, aggressive, and unforgettable.
Nervosa photos:
Destruction photos:
Obituary photos:
Testament photos & set-list:
Set-list:
D.N.R. (Do Not Resuscitate)
WWIII
Practice What You Preach
Sins of Omission
Native Blood
Trail of Tears
Low
More Than Meets the Eye
Drum Solo
First Strike Is Deadly
Infanticide A.I.
Shadow People
Return to Serenity
Electric Crown
Into the Pit
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic