Testament was one of the first thrash metal bands to emerge from the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1980's. Undoubtedly, they are the inventors of the thrash-metal wheel. Testament’s powerful sound, influence, and longevity make them one of the Top 5 All-Time Legendary Thrash Metal Bands, putting them in the company of Slayer, Megadeth, Metallica, and Anthrax.
Testament is right now on the verge of signing a worldwide record contract to release an all-new album, which the band hopes to have in stores by March 2008!!! For this brand new record, the band has brought their original lineup back together – vocalist Chuck Billy, guitarists Eric Peterson & Alex Skolnick, and bassist Greg Christian – and have added friend and former member, Paul Bostaph.
“It’s been a long time, but I’m glad we waited because we have pretty much the full lineup back,” says Peterson.
Originally formed as 'Legacy' in 1983 by founding members Peterson (rhythm guitar), Derrick Ramirez (guitar) and Louie Clemente (drums), the line-up included vocalist Steve Souza and Christian (bass). Ramirez was later replaced by guitar prodigy Alex Skolnick (lead guitar). However, Souza left to join Exodus and suggested that the towering Chuck Billy take over as frontman. While recording their first record, the band adopted the ‘Testament’ moniker.
The band’s 1987 debut album, "The Legacy," thrust Testament to the front of the flourishing thrash metal scene. Following "Live At Eindhoven", an EP recorded at Holland's Dynamo Festival, "The New Order" in 1988 was well received, producing one of the band's most memorable classics "Disciples Of The Watch". Next came the highly successful "Practice What You Preach" in 1989, then the release of "Souls Of Black" in 1990.
After “The Ritual” in 1992, Testament saw many lineup changes. Clemente left, as well as Skolnick who left to pursue jazz music projects. The band persevered and continued to write and record new music. “Low” was released in 1994 with John Tempesta (ex- Exodus) on drums, and “Demonic” followed in 1997, this time with Gene Hoglan (ex- Death, Dark Angel, Unearth) replacing Tempesta. The album was recorded at Testament’s Driftwood Studios. “Signs of Chaos,” a collection of Testament’s best tracks, was released in 1997.
For their next major release, Dave Lombardo (ex- Slayer, Grip, Inc.) was officially introduced into the band. James Murphy, who played guitar on “Low,” was brought back once again, along with the legendary Steve DiGiorgio (ex- Death, Control Denied, Sadus) on bass. "The Gathering" was born in 1999. Soon after, James Murphy abruptly departed, determined later to be the result of a serious illness. Steve Smyth (ex-Vicious Rumors) jumped aboard as 'touring guitarist', later to be invited to stay on as a permanent member. Lombardo also left the band, not being able to commit because of other projects. In 2000, Jon Allen (drums, ex- Sadus) joined the band.
After the "Riding The Snake" world tour to promote "The Gathering", vocalist Billy was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called 'germ cell seminoma' in March 2001. Despite his illness and grueling cancer treatments, Billy offered his ground shaking vocals to the re-recording of Testament classics on "First Strike Still Deadly" which brought back Alex Skolnick and John Tempesta to record on the disc.
Billy battled back from his sickness and has fully recovered. The band has been touring ever since late 2002, most recently wrapping up a wildly successful South American tour in 2007. Testament has been working hard on getting the new record together at the studio in their hometown, and they have very high expectations for it.
Adds Billy, “The new record is very heavy but very melodic at the same time. It’s an extension from “The Gathering”. We’re also incorporating solos cuz Alex is back and we haven’t had many on the last few records.”
“I’m real excited about the new record. There’s a lot of old-school/new-school ideas. It sounds very modern. I think all Testament fans will be pleased and more,” says Peterson.
Testament is once again ready to attack the music world with their trademark brand of thrash metal, and the band is very optimistic about their future together.
“It’s come full circle. We were together, moving strong, then we broke up and had several different lineups,” says Billy. “But now we got a new band, a new label, a new album, everything’s positive. Once the record’s done, I think it’s going to be a good year coming up.”
*NEW* "More Than Meets The Eye" Video:
Behind The Scenes Of Testament's Music Video Shoot:
Hail Brothers...A bonebreaker sample from the new record is online. Listen to it. Get ready for "DIVINA DISTOPIA", a new proud Techno Power- Thrash assault by EVERSIN out in the early 2010 through My Kingdom Music/Masterpiece. For fans of Megadeth, Annihilator and Iced Earth!!!
the long wait is over and our new record has finally been released:
Since Friday 13th, November 2009, our new album, RETURN, has been freed at last!
Feel free to check our MySpace to listen to some songs, see a studio report and get more news about RETURN. You can order the CD via Amazon, EMP etc...or our homepage www.pathofgolconda.com which will be completely revamped in the near future, too!
We hope you like the record, and we are looking forward to your comments!
Thanks for being our friend!! We dig your music! Please check out our new songs, they will be worth your time! Our influences include the likes of Opeth, Katatonia, Dream Theater, Devin Townsend, Tool, Porcupine tree...
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