Fri. May 11 -- The show's not in L.A., but it might be worth beating the Friday traffic to tailgate for an hour or two before this major metal lineup hits the stage. Slayer continues strong with Exodus guitarist Gary Holt having replaced the late Jeff Hanneman some seven years ago. Next Friday, Lamb of God celebrate the 20th anniversary of their original incarnation as Burn the Priest with an album under that name. Polish blackened death incinerators Behemoth have a new DVD. East Coast standbys Anthrax maintain the '80s thrash alliance. And Bay Area melodic thrash founders Testament provide an alternate soundtrack to the "Ancient Aliens" series with 2016's "Brotherhood of the Snake." At FivePoint Amphitheater, 14800 Chinon, Irvine 92618; 5pm; $47-$77; www.livenation.com.
Sat. May 12 -- Charles Owens sure can play sax, and he'll cover enough stylistic bases to please everybody with his ensemble, always culled from the finest. At the World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park 90008; 9pm (two sets); $20; www.theworldstage.org.
Sat. May 12 -- Technical wizard (but rockin) guitarist George Lynch persists far beyond the hair-metal era with Lynch Mob. Evolution Eden and Hipnostic support. At the Rose, 245 E. Green St., Pasadena 91101; doors 6pm, reserved spots must be grabbed by 7pm, headliner 9pm; $24-$34; (888) 645-5006; www.roseconcerts.com.
Sun. May 13 -- Norwegian black-metal vets Satyricon spike up more melody than the average corpsepainters. With triumphant New Orleans deathdudes Goatwhore (read my review of their latest here), plus Mictlantecuhtli, Highland. At the Regent Theater, 448 S. Main St., downtown 90013; 7pm; $35; 18+; www.ticketfly.com.
Sun. May 13 -- Before dinner, bring Mom to enjoy oft-awarded pianist Billy Childs, stirring up beauty and intellect with trio mates Ari Hoenig (drums) and Alex Boneham (bass). At Moss Theater in the Herb Alpert Educational Village of New Roads School, 3131 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica 90404; 4pm; $35 ($25 students); www.jazzbakery.org.
Thurs. May 17 -- Holy sacred cow, I can't believe there are still tickets for the 2-heavy metal bill of Brazilian rhythm monsters Soulfly and crypto-Egypto abstract necromancers Nile. With Darksun, Not My Master, Chaotic Shadows. At the Whisky, 8901 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood 90069; doors 7pm; $30; (310) 652-4202; www.whiskyagogo.com.
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Read Don Heckman’s jazz picks here. Read John Payne's plutonic Bluefat.com here. Read Brick Wahl's noirish music commentaries here.