May 28, 2026
Review & Photos by Christopher Crone
The UC Theatre in Berkeley hosted a stacked lineup on May 28 as Sepultura’s farewell tour rolled through town. With Exodus, Biohazard, and Tribal Gaze joining the bill, fans packed the historic venue early and were treated to a night filled with crushing riffs, circle pits, crowd surfers, and enough energy to shake the walls. From start to finish, every band delivered, making this one of the strongest metal packages to hit Northern California this year.
Tribal Gaze opened the night with a crushing set that immediately grabbed the attention of everyone in the room. Their blend of old-school death metal and heavy groove created a thick wall of sound that hit hard from the first song. The band’s riffs were slow, heavy, and punishing, while the vocals added an extra layer of aggression. By the time their set ended, the crowd was fully awake and ready for the chaos that was about to follow.
Biohazard came out swinging with the kind of energy that has made them legends for decades. The second they hit the stage, the floor came alive with fans singing along, throwing fists in the air, and crashing into each other in the pit. Their mix of hardcore, metal, and streetwise attitude sounded just as powerful as ever. Every member looked like they were having a great time, feeding off the crowd’s energy throughout the set. One of the highlights of the evening happened offstage when I ran into Billy Graziadei. I showed him a photo I took of him performing at Aftershock in 2024, and he immediately loved it. He grabbed my phone, entered his contact information, and told me to send it to him. Moments like that remind me why I enjoy covering live music as much as I do. Back onstage, Biohazard finished strong and left the crowd wanting more.
Exodus followed with a full-on Bay Area thrash metal assault. From the opening notes, the pit exploded into nonstop action that continued throughout their entire set. Gary Holt was in top form, delivering one blistering riff after another while making it all look effortless. Rob Dukes sounded fantastic, bringing his trademark aggression and attitude to every song. The band’s chemistry was undeniable as they tore through a set packed with fan favorites. Every solo, breakdown, and gang vocal landed perfectly with the crowd. The audience responded with constant movement, loud singalongs, and endless energy. By the end of their performance, Exodus had once again proven why they remain one of the most important thrash bands to ever come out of the Bay Area.
Sepultura closed out the night with a performance that showed exactly why they remain one of the most respected names in heavy music. As part of their farewell tour, the band played with a sense of purpose that could be felt throughout the entire venue. Frontman Derrick Green commanded the stage from the moment he appeared, delivering powerful vocals while constantly engaging with the audience. Guitarist Andreas Kisser was outstanding, unleashing crushing riffs and impressive solos that highlighted his decades of experience. Bassist Paulo Jr. provided a thunderous foundation that could be felt throughout the floor of the UC Theatre. Behind the drum kit, Greyson Nekrutman delivered one of the most impressive performances of the evening, combining speed, power, and precision on every song. The band’s setlist covered multiple eras of their career, giving longtime fans plenty of classic material while also showcasing newer songs. Tribal rhythms blended seamlessly with thrash, groove, and death metal influences, creating the unique sound that has defined Sepultura for years. The crowd responded with nonstop energy, filling the floor with circle pits and sending a steady stream of crowd surfers toward the barricade. Every classic song was met with massive cheers and loud singalongs from fans of all ages. It was clear that many people in attendance understood they were witnessing a historic moment as the farewell tour continues its final run. When the final notes rang out, the UC Theatre erupted in applause for a band whose influence can still be felt throughout the metal world. Sepultura didn’t just headline the show, they delivered a powerful reminder of why they remain one of the most important heavy bands of all time.
From Tribal Gaze’s crushing opening set to Sepultura’s emotional and powerful finale, this was a night that showcased several generations of heavy music at its finest. Every band brought something different to the stage, yet all four shared the same commitment to delivering an unforgettable live performance. Berkeley’s UC Theatre has hosted many great concerts over the years, but this one will be remembered as a special stop on Sepultura’s farewell journey.
Categories: Concert Photography, News
Leave a Reply