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:
Hey Mates! Thank you guys for the real beauty you gave us that night in Stockhom. I guess someone of you remember us. HINTS : Stockholm, Globen, Cold, Beer and Two funky guys from Norway.
Well if u havent voted...plz do follow the instructions below ::
Grungy Morphins is placed in 9th position rite now out of 296 bands from all over the world....
Plz vote for "Grungy Morphins" in the link below ::
http://www.at.metalfest.eu/votes.html?lang=en
For a chance to perform in Austria in "MetalFest 2010"
Also plz forward this to all u know and all ur contacts in ur e-mail , Facebook, Hi5, everywhere.........all u need to do is open the website......go to band voting on the left6 hand side.....u'll get a list of bands ...plz move down and and go to India....and click on Vote next to "Grungy Morphins"....
Then u need to enter ur name and e-mail address......and send......and then open ur e-mail address that u have provided u'll receive an e-mail from Metal Fest where u'll receive a link....and now all u need to do is click on the link and its done...it will open a window saying "Ur Vote Was Counted Successfully"
Please note:: no False voting as all votings has to be Genuine and if there are false e-mail address given than the nomination for Grungy Morphins" will be Terminated...
also plz check out our videos and songs on Youtube and myspace.....to give us a fair chance if u like our stuffs....
SCORPIONS DRUMMER HERMAN RAREBELL SIGNS WITH DARK STAR RECORDS We are pleased to announce that Dark Star Records has signed a deal with multi platinum selling artist Herman Rarebell. With 78 Gold Records and 30 Platinum Records under his belt, Herman has aquired a huge fan base. Look for the new album "Take It As It Comes" available soon on Dark Star Records.
Thank you to You for Friendship! Will listen as soon as I time has with pleasure your songs, am already very much tensely on it! Many greetings Andy Project Phoenix