The UC Theatre had that strange déjàvu hum the second I walked in, like the Oakland Omni reincarnated without the danger tax. Backstage was a maze of hallways and half-lit corners, the kind of layout that makes you feel like you’re sneaking into something even when you’re credentialed. Parabellum were buried deep in the back, and when I finally found Emre, Jacey, Davy, and Kyle, the room had that quiet, electric charge bands get right before a big moment.

Opening for Testament isn’t just another gig in the Bay Area. It’s a milestone. Emre mentioned Chuck Billy was one of the reasons he picked up music in the first place, and that fullcircle weight sat heavy in the air. What you don’t usually see at shows like this, especially if you grew up on the Mab, the Stone, or the Omni, is family backstage. Here, it added a grounding warmth to a night otherwise buzzing with adrenaline.