Testament (band)

Testament is an American thrash metal band from Berkeley, California.[1] Formed in 1983 under the name Legacy, the band's current lineup comprises guitarists Eric Peterson and Alex Skolnick, lead vocalist Chuck Billy, drummer Gene Hoglan, and bassist Steve Di Giorgio. Testament has experienced many lineup changes over the years, with Peterson being the only remaining original member, though they have since been rejoined by one of its co-founders Skolnick, who was out of the band from 1992 to 2005. Billy replaced original singer Steve "Zetro" Souza (who left the band to join Exodus as the replacement of Paul Baloff) in 1986, prior to the recording of their first studio album, The Legacy, and has been a member of the band since. He and Peterson are the only members to appear on all of Testament's studio albums.

Testament
Testament performing at Wacken Open Air in 2019
Background information
Also known asLegacy (1983–1987)
OriginBerkeley, California, U.S.
GenresThrash metal
Years active1983–present
Labels
Associated acts
Websitetestamentlegions.com
Members
Past members

Testament is often credited as one of the most popular and influential bands of the thrash metal scene,[2][3][4] as well as one of the leaders of the second wave of the genre in the late 1980s.[5][6] They have also been referred to as one of the "big eight" of thrash metal, along with Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, Exodus, Overkill and Death Angel.[7][8][9][10][11][12][13] The band has sold over 1.4 million albums in the United States since the beginning of the SoundScan era[14][15] and over 14 million copies worldwide.[16] To date, Testament has released thirteen studio albums (one of which is a collection of re-recorded songs), four live albums, five compilation albums, twelve singles and three DVDs. After signing to Atlantic Records in 1986, and changing their name from Legacy to Testament, they released their debut album The Legacy in 1987, and broke into the U.S. mainstream with its follow-up album The New Order (1988).[17] Their next four studio albums—Practice What You Preach (1989), Souls of Black (1990), The Ritual (1992) and Low (1994)—were also successful, with the former of the three entering the Top 100 on the Billboard 200 chart.[17] Over the course of its career, Testament has experienced several resurgences of popularity, with their last two studio albums—Dark Roots of Earth (2012) and Brotherhood of the Snake (2016)—entering the Top 20 on the Billboard 200,[17] and has toured consistently.[15][18] The band released their thirteenth studio album, Titans of Creation, on April 3, 2020.[19][20]

History

Early career and The Legacy (1983–1987)

The band was formed in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1983 under the name Legacy by guitarist Eric Peterson and his cousin, guitarist Derrick Ramirez. They soon added drummer Louie Clemente, vocalist Steve Souza and bassist Greg Christian and began playing club shows with bands such as Slayer, Laaz Rockit, Death Angel and others. Clemente left the band in 1985 and was replaced by drummer Mike Ronchette. Derrick Ramirez departed soon after and young guitarist Alex Skolnick, who had studied under Bay Area guitarist Joe Satriani, was brought into the band. Legacy had been writing original material since forming and released a self-titled, four-song demo in 1985. Steve Souza left the band in 1986 to join Exodus and was replaced by Chuck Billy on Souzas suggestion. Mike Ronchette also left the band, and former drummer Louie Clemente returned.

The band was signed to Megaforce Records in 1986 on the strength of the demo tape. While recording their first album, the band was forced to change their name to Testament (which, according to Maria Ferrero in the May 2007 issue of Revolver, was suggested by Billy Milano of S.O.D. and M.O.D.), because the "Legacy" name was already trademarked by a hotel R&B cover band. Legacy played their last show prior to this name change at The Stone in San Francisco on March 4, 1987.[18]

Testament's debut album, The Legacy, was released in April 1987 on Megaforce Records. They received instant fame within thrash circles and were often compared with fellow Bay Area thrash pioneers Metallica. The band quickly managed to increase their exposure by heading out on successful American and European tours with Anthrax, who were supporting their Among the Living album. On this tour, the Live at Eindhoven EP was recorded. Testament also opened for Slayer as well as their labelmates Overkill, and Megadeth on their Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? tour.[18]

Increasing popularity (1988–1992)

Testament's "classic" lineup in 1988. From left to right: Eric Peterson, Greg Christian, Chuck Billy, Alex Skolnick and Louie Clemente.

Testament's second album, The New Order, was released in May 1988, and found the band continuing in a similar vein. The album was a minor success, peaking at number 136 on the Billboard 200,[17] but managed to sell over 250,000 copies.[21] In support of The New Order, Testament opened for Megadeth on their So Far, So Good... So What! tour in Europe, and toured the United States with the likes of Overkill, Voivod, Death Angel, Vio-Lence, Nuclear Assault, Sanctuary, Raven, Forbidden and Heathen.[18] They also made a number of festival appearances in the summer of 1988, such as Metalfest in Milwaukee, Aardschokdag in The Netherlands, and replaced Megadeth for some dates on the European Monsters of Rock tour, also featuring Iron Maiden, Kiss, David Lee Roth, Great White and Anthrax.[18][22]

After touring in support of The New Order, the band headed back into the studio to record their third studio album Practice What You Preach. Released in August 1989, the album minimized the occult and gothic themes found in the lyrical content of their first two albums, instead focusing on real-life issues such as politics and corruption. Practice What You Preach performed better on the charts than The New Order, reaching at number 77 on the Billboard 200,[17] and included the hit single, the title track, which saw extensive airplay on Headbangers Ball.[23] Testament toured for almost a year behind Practice What You Preach with several bands, including Overkill, Annihilator, Wrathchild America, Mortal Sin, Xentrix, Nuclear Assault, Savatage, Flotsam and Jetsam, Mordred, Dark Angel and a then-relatively unknown Primus.[18][24] Despite selling over 450,000 copies,[21][25] the album has never been certified gold by the RIAA.

In October 1990, Testament released their fourth studio album Souls of Black. Although reviews were mixed, the album managed to sell respectably, in no doubt largely off the strength of the single title track, and saw the band perform on arena tours, including the European Clash of the Titans tour with Megadeth, Slayer and Suicidal Tendencies.[18] Testament supported Souls of Black with two North American tours, opening for Judas Priest on their Painkiller tour from October to December 1990,[18] and Slayer on their Seasons in the Abyss tour from January to March 1991.[26][27] They also toured Japan, and played shows with Anthrax and Sepultura.[26][28][29][30] Shortly after completing the Souls of Black tour, the band released their first VHS documentary Seen Between the Lines, containing live clips recorded during the Souls of Black world tour, four promotional music videos and video interview segments.

Attempting to reconnect with an audience distracted by the growing grunge movement, Testament released The Ritual in 1992. It saw a stylistic move away from thrash to a slower, slightly more traditional heavy metal sound.[31] The Ritual peaked at 55 on the Billboard Hot 100, the band's highest chart position at the time, and the power ballad "Return to Serenity" managed to receive radio airplay, peaking at number 22. Despite selling more than 485,000 copies in the United States,[32] the album has never received gold certification. In support of The Ritual, Testament toured Europe and North America, headlining their own tours, as well as opening for Iron Maiden on their Fear of the Dark tour,[33] and Black Sabbath on their Dehumanizer tour.[34] However, the success of the album did not put an end to the tensions within the band.

Member changes; Low, Demonic and The Gathering (1992–2000)

The next decade was marked by a series of changes in the formation of the band, followed by a change of pace in its musical style. Lead guitarist Alex Skolnick left shortly after a concert on Halloween 1992, and three months later, drummer Louie Clemente left. Skolnick wanted to branch off to different styles of music such as jazz and he has stated that the band at that time did not know what they wanted to be, suffering from arguments on which direction the band should go is the main reason. Skolnick has also stated, that contrary to popular belief, it was not because he wanted more melody. As a result of this clash, Skolnick left soon after The Ritual's release. Skolnick would temporarily join Savatage, and later would become involved with an acoustic jazz band. Drummer Louie Clemente, in the meantime, moved toward a more stable career outside of music, selling modern art and furniture.

In 1993, Skolnick and Clemente were temporarily replaced by Forbidden members Glen Alvelais and Paul Bostaph. This lineup released the 1993 live EP, Return to the Apocalyptic City. Soon after, Alvelais quit the band and Paul Bostaph departed to join Slayer. October 1994's Low featured John Tempesta on drums and death metal guitarist James Murphy, formerly of Death, Cancer, and Obituary. Low was a diverse album, featuring various influences such as death metal, groove metal, and as well as a ballad, "Trail of Tears". The band's remaining fans reacted favorably to Low although it did little to expand Testament's fanbase. Some fans, however, viewed Testament's move away from the mainstream as a liberation that allowed them to expand artistically, not being pressured by sales and success as they once were. Tempesta left after the recording of the album, being replaced by Jon Dette for the following tour. Jon Dette departed the band in 1995, during the 1994–1996 tour.

Dette's replacement was Chris Kontos, who had formerly been part of Machine Head. This lineup is featured on the Judas Priest cover Rapid Fire. After the 1996 club tour, Greg Christian, James Murphy, and Chris Kontos departed the band. During the time Kontos was in Testament he suggested the band drop the name altogether and call the band "Dog Faced Gods". This idea was turned down by Billy and Peterson who wanted to continue with the Testament name. The two later temporarily disbanded Testament.

The band's follow-up album, Demonic, released June 1997, took a new approach, and found Testament experimenting with death metal more. The album featured Eric Peterson on both lead and rhythm guitar (although Glen Alvelais made a guest appearance, and played on the subsequent tour), early member Derrick Ramirez on bass guitar, and former Dark Angel drummer Gene Hoglan. Hoglan left before the Demonic tour to join Strapping Young Lad, with Steve Jacobs doing the South American leg of the tour and Jon Dette returning later. Hoglan's loyalty to Strapping Young Lad and his desire to not remain a member of Testament actually came to realization during a published interview the band conducted with Metal Maniacs Magazine.

By 1998, Ramirez, Alvelais and Dette had departed and James Murphy had returned for the June 1999 release of The Gathering. The rhythm section on The Gathering was highly respected, consisting of metal fretless bass pioneer Steve Di Giorgio (formerly of Death and Sadus) and original Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo. The sound of the album was largely a combination of death metal and thrash metal, with a minor black metal influence from Eric Peterson's side project, Dragonlord.

Health issues and First Strike Still Deadly (2001–2004)

Soon after the release of The Gathering, lead guitarist James Murphy was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Through various fundraisers, Murphy was able to afford surgery and eventually made a full recovery, but was unable to recall anything from the recording of The Gathering. In 2001, Chuck Billy was also diagnosed with germ cell seminoma, a rare form of testicular cancer, but it only affected Billy's lungs and heart. His cancer was also treated successfully. In August 2001, friends of Billy organized the Thrash of the Titans benefit concert, featuring seminal Bay Area thrash bands Vio-lence, Death Angel, Exodus, Heathen, and others. The show was headlined by a Legacy reunion, featuring Steve Souza on vocals, and former guitarist Alex Skolnick, who had not played with the band since 1992, and Greg Christian. Late in 2001, Testament released First Strike Still Deadly, a collection of re-recordings (with modern studio technology) of songs from their first two albums. The album featured the lineup of Billy, Peterson, Di Giorgio, the return of Alex Skolnick on guitar, and John Tempesta on drums.

By 2003, Chuck Billy had made a full recovery, and the band began performing live again with a new drummer, Jon Allen of Sadus. In 2004, the band changed their lineup once again for their summer festival appearances. Jon Allen was replaced by Paul Bostaph, returning to the band for a second stint after a decade's absence. Lead guitarist Steve Smyth departed to join Nevermore and was replaced by ex-Halford guitarist "Metal" Mike Chlasciak. Shortly after Steve Smyth's departure, Eric Peterson fell down a flight of stairs, breaking his leg, and was unavailable for some dates. He was temporarily replaced by Steve Smyth.

Reunion and The Formation of Damnation (2005–2010)

Lead vocalist Chuck Billy in 2012

In May 2005, it was announced that Testament would be doing a brief Europe-only reunion tour – known as the "10 Days in May Tour" – featuring the original lineup of Billy, Peterson, Skolnick and Christian, with drum duties shared between John Tempesta and Louie Clemente. After the success of the initial tour dates, Testament announced more dates in the U.S., Europe, and Japan with the classic lineup. Later that year, Skolnick also toured the East Coast with Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The band went on to release a live DVD and CD from the tour entitled Live in London. In interviews on the DVD, Eric Peterson expressed his desire to record the follow-up to The Gathering with the classic Testament lineup. He also stated that Alex Skolnick had begun writing songs for the new album. Chuck Billy was very vocal about how happy he was to have Alex, Greg, Louie, and John Tempesta in the band once again, and hoped to maintain a stable lineup going forward. Also in 2005, Testament's long-out of print documentary Seen Between the Lines was released on DVD for the first time.[35][36]

Testament played for the first time in the Middle East at the Dubai Desert Rock festival in March 2006. Other notable bands that performed for the Desert Rock Festival were Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Reel Big Fish and 3 Doors Down.

In July 2007, the band played a show at Jaxx Nightclub in Springfield, Virginia, with Paul Bostaph filling in on drum duties. It was later confirmed that Bostaph would be officially returning to the band to record the new album. The band debuted a new song at that show titled "The Afterlife",[37] which they also played at Earthshaker Fest.

In February 2008, the band released the song "More Than Meets the Eye" from the new album on their Myspace page.

In April 2008, Testament was confirmed for Ozzy Osbourne's Monsters of Rock festival to take place on July 26, 2008, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.[38]

Testament released their first studio album in nine years, The Formation of Damnation, on April 29, 2008, through Nuclear Blast Records. It is the first Testament album to feature Alex Skolnick on guitar since 1992's The Ritual, and the first to feature bassist Greg Christian since 1994's Low.[39][40]

The band was confirmed to be the main event on the first day of the "Gillmanfest," a rock festival to be held on May 24, 2008, in Valencia, Venezuela, visiting Colombia for the second time in the band's extensive career. In June 2008, Testament headlined the 3rd stage at Download Festival, held at Donington Park, UK. The band also toured the US as a supporting act for Judas Priest, Heaven & Hell, and Motörhead on the "Metal Masters Tour". On October 22, 2008, Testament announced that they had recruited guitarist Glen Drover (ex-Megadeth and King Diamond) to fill in on their upcoming Mexican tour dates with Judas Priest, due to Alex Skolnick's prior commitment to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.[41]

In late September 2008, it was announced that Testament would embark on the "Priest Feast" European tour with headliners Judas Priest and Megadeth in February and March 2009.[42] On March 25, 2009, Testament played a special one-off show at the O2 Islington Academy in London, where they performed their first two albums (The Legacy and The New Order) back-to-back, with British thrash band Sylosis in support. Also in 2009, Testament set out on a 6-week tour across the US to promote The Formation of Damnation, touring with Unearth and Lazarus A.D.. In early 2010, Testament toured the United States with Megadeth and Exodus; Alex Skolnick did not participate in the tour due to previous obligations (Glen Drover filled in for him). In August, Testament toured Australia.[43] Testament also headlined for the first time in the Philippines for the annual Pulp Summer Slam on April 17, 2010 with heavy metal band Lamb of God.

Dark Roots of Earth (2010–2013)

Gene Hoglan in 2013

As early as 2009, Testament started writing new material for their tenth album. In an interview with Metalheadz, Peterson stated that there were about four songs written and that "there's other guys in the band who like to play the more rock melodic style but the next one is gonna be a bit heavier."[42] In a January 2011 interview during the 70000 Tons of Metal cruise, Billy revealed that Testament had been working on six new songs, with four or five "maybe left to write," and would begin recording their new album by early March.[44] On May 18, 2011, Skolnick posted an update on his Twitter, saying, "Another tune done! My riffs from last week [plus] some of [fellow Testament guitarist Eric Peterson's plus] new ones we wrote today. Planning one more, then we've got more than we need."[44]

Testament began recording their tenth studio album on June 20, 2011. Paul Bostaph was unable to take part in the recording due to a "serious injury", although he was expected to rejoin when the band tours to support the album. Gene Hoglan, who played drums on the band's 1997 album Demonic, filled in for Bostaph. It was also reported that Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler would make a special guest appearance on a bonus track of the album.[45]

Testament appeared at the California dates of the summer 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, replacing In Flames.[46]

On July 14, 2011, it was announced that the tenth Testament studio album would be called Dark Roots of Earth, which, after many delays, was released on July 27, 2012.[47] Dark Roots of Earth debuted at No. 12 on the Billboard 200, the band's highest chart position to date.[48] Prior to the album's release, the band toured in the fall of 2011 with Anthrax and Death Angel.[49] Overkill was invited to the tour, but due to the pre-production of their sixteenth studio album The Electric Age, they did not participate.[50] John Tempesta filled in for Bostaph on the tour.[51] It was announced on December 1, 2011 that Paul Bostaph had left Testament. Gene Hoglan recorded the drum tracks for Dark Roots of Earth and continues to play live with the band. In interviews, Testament have expressed pleasure in Hoglan's playing, and hope that he would continue playing with the band for the foreseeable future.

Dark Roots of Thrash and Brotherhood of the Snake (2013–2019)

Testament performing in 2016

In August 2012, Peterson stated that Testament would record an eleventh studio album if Dark Roots of Earth did well.[52] A week prior to the release of Dark Roots of Earth, Billy promised that Testament would not take "huge gaps" between albums anymore, and would "work hard and tour for two years or so," and try to release another album when they could.[53] Hoglan has also said that he would "absolutely dig" to be a part of the writing of the next Testament album.[54]

On September 13, 2013, Billy told Rock Overdose that from January to April 2014, Testament would be writing and recording their eleventh studio album for a 2014 release.[55] Testament released a live DVD/double album Dark Roots of Thrash on October 15, 2013. The release documents the band's sold-out headlining performance at the Paramount in Huntington, New York, in February 2013.[56]

On January 13, 2014, it was announced that bassist Greg Christian had left Testament again, and Steve Di Giorgio returned to the band as his replacement; it was also announced that he would be involved in the making of the band's next album.[57] Christian has explained that the reasons he had left Testament for the second time were because of money disputes and differences with the band.[58][59][60]

Asked in an April 2015 interview about Testament's plans to begin recording their twelfth album, Peterson said that his "main goal" was to "get home [from tour] in June, finish it up and get in the studio by September."[61] Billy also said that the band's goal was to have the album finished by Thanksgiving.[62] Slovenian bassist Tilen Hudrap (Pestilence, Vicious Rumors, Paradox, Thraw) and Bay Area drummer Alex Bent (Arkaik, Dragonlord, Decrepit Birth, Battlecross) filled in for Di Giorgio and Hoglan in August at the prestigious Canadian open air festival Heavy Montreal, attended by more than 70,000 spectators.

In May 2016, Billy confirmed their twelfth album would be entitled Brotherhood of the Snake. Of the album's lyrical content, he commented, "The Brotherhood of the Snake was actually a society about 6,000 years ago that debarred all religions. It was just a fascinating topic that caught our eye and attention and spawned a lot of songs. We're going with that vibe. There will be some songs that deviate, but the majority will be around that and aliens and religion. Then I'll probably tap into my native heritage and write some songs about that. It's not just going to be one concept, but there is some interesting stuff that we're finding to write about."[63] Brotherhood of the Snake was released on October 28, 2016,[64] and received generally positive reviews from critics, and scored Testament their second-highest chart position on the Billboard 200, peaking at number twenty.[17] Shortly after its release, Testament embarked on an international tour with Amon Amarth,[65] and toured North America in April–May 2017 with Sepultura, Prong, Infernal Tenebra and Dying Gorgeous Lies.[66][67] The band also toured Europe with Annihilator and Death Angel in November and December 2017,[68] and again in March and April 2018, with Annihilator and Vader supporting.[69] Along with Anthrax, Lamb of God, Behemoth and Napalm Death, Testament opened for Slayer on their final North American tour, which took place in the spring and summer of 2018.[70][71] Testament also performed at Megadeth's first-ever cruise called Megacruise in October 2019.[72]

Titans of Creation (2019–present)

By March 2017, Testament had begun writing the follow-up to Brotherhood of the Snake, with plans to release it in 2018.[73][74] Billy stated in March 2018 that Testament would start working on their thirteenth studio album after they finish touring in support of Brotherhood of the Snake in August, hoping not to repeat the four year gaps between their last three albums.[75] He later stated that opening for Slayer on their farewell tour would be "the final lap for [them] touring" in support of Brotherhood of the Snake.[76] Work on the follow-up album began in February 2019,[77] and pre-production began in May with Andy Sneap as the mixer.[78][79] Drummer Gene Hoglan revealed in a June 2019 interview on the "Talk Toomey" podcast that the band had finished recording the album for a 2019 or early 2020 release.[80] Peterson later stated that it would be released in January 2020.[81]

Testament released their thirteenth album Titans of Creation on April 3, 2020.[19][20] Prior to its release, the band (along with Exodus and Death Angel) took part in the European tour The Bay Strikes Back in February and March 2020;[82][83] Testament was also due to headline a US tour to promote Titans of Creation, with support provided by The Black Dahlia Murder, Municipal Waste and Meshiaak,[84] but it was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[85]

Nearly two weeks prior to the release of Titans of Creation, Billy and his wife Tiffany were tested positive for COVID-19, making him the third person to have returned home ill from The Bay Strikes Back tour, following Will Carroll of Death Angel and Gary Holt of Exodus.[86][87] Bassist Steve Di Giorgio was later diagnosed with COVID-19, becoming the second member of Testament to have been tested positive for the condition.[88]

Legacy and influence

Testament has been credited as one of the leaders of the second wave of thrash metal in the late 1980s,[5][6][89][90] as well as one of the most influential Bay Area thrash metal acts.[2][15][91][92] AllMusic described them as "one of the first thrash acts to emerge from the Bay Area in Metallica's wake during the '80s."[2]

Testament has influenced multiple bands, such as Pantera,[6][93] Sepultura,[6][93] Death Angel,[93] Annihilator,[94] White Zombie,[6][93] Korn,[93] Machine Head,[95] Drowning Pool,[96] Kataklysm,[97] Lamb of God,[98] Morbid Angel,[93][99] Cannibal Corpse,[6][93] Entombed,[93] Gojira,[93][100] Killswitch Engage,[93][101] Exhorder,[93] Havok,[102][103][104][105] Evile,[106][107] Blind Guardian,[108] Sevendust,[93][101] Suicidal Angels,[109] Nightwish,[93][110] Shadows Fall,[93] Terror,[93][101] Unearth,[111] Skeletonwitch,[112] Warbringer,[93] Fight,[113] Sons of Texas,[93] Incite,[114] Demolition Hammer,[115] and Forced Entry.[116]

Members of Testament have cited major influences as The Beatles, Black Sabbath, Metallica, Exodus, Slayer, Anthrax, Megadeth, Judas Priest, Motörhead, Deep Purple, Rush, Diamond Head, Saxon, Alice Cooper, Tygers of Pan Tang, Iron Maiden, Accept, Rainbow, Dio, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, UFO, Van Halen, Queensrÿche, Scorpions, Jimi Hendrix, Robin Trower, Armored Saint, Manowar, Mercyful Fate, Venom, Celtic Frost, Aerosmith, Pat Travers, Blue Öyster Cult, Kiss, Black Flag, The Ramones, The Sex Pistols, The Misfits, Savatage, Loudness, Raven and Anvil.

In the video for Bowling for Soup's "Punk Rock 101", guitarist and vocalist Jaret Reddick can be seen wearing one of Testament's t-shirts.

Members

Alex Skolnick and Eric Peterson

Current members

Discography

References

  1. "Decibel Magazine: Testament – The Legacy". Decibel magazine. March 7, 2010. Archived from the original on September 21, 2010. Retrieved March 7, 2009.
  2. "Testament Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved February 27, 2011.
  3. "Tartarean Desire – Testament – Thrash metal band from USA". Tartareandesire.com. Archived from the original on August 5, 2017. Retrieved February 27, 2011.
  4. "Testament Biography". Sing365.com. Archived from the original on May 13, 2011. Retrieved February 27, 2011.
  5. "Sacred Reich announces "30 Years of Ignorance" USA tour with Byzantine as support". metalblade.com. May 1, 2017. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  6. "Your guide to the best Download Festival sideshows coming in 2020". tonedeaf.thebrag.com. December 17, 2019. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
  7. "Death Angel Biography & History". allmusic.com. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  8. "Testament, Overkill, Death Angel and Suicidal Tendencies Reportedly Touring Together Next Year". Ultimate-Guitar.com. July 16, 2018. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  9. "DEATH ANGEL, un'unica data da headliner in Italia!". metalhead.it. March 22, 2019. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  10. "The V Club to host San Fran thrash metal unit Death Angel". herald-dispatch.com. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  11. "My City - Legendary metal band, Testament to be part of Silence Festival 2019". myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com. Retrieved October 15, 2019.
  12. "MetalDays 2020: First bands confirmed!". metaljacketmagazine.com. Retrieved October 15, 2019.
  13. "Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2019 la final: 28.000 de participanți în cele 4 zile de festival și 50 de trupe au concertat pe două scene principale!". bloodbath.ro. Retrieved October 15, 2019.
  14. "Testament Digs In With "Dark Roots Of Earth"". Billboard. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
  15. "Testament Sepultura Prong – Gas Monky Live – DFW Undercover". dfwundercover.com. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  16. "Testament Bio". testamentlegions.com. February 12, 2020.
  17. "Testament – Chart history". Billboard.com. Retrieved November 7, 2016.
  18. "The Legacy / Testament". Metallipromo.com. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  19. "TESTAMENT's New Album Gets Official Release Date". Blabbermouth.net. January 18, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2020.
  20. "Titans of Creation by Testament". Apple Music. Retrieved January 30, 2020.
  21. "Testament Interview". Famousinterview.ca. Retrieved November 7, 2016.
  22. "Monsters Of Rock Concerts". themonstersofrock.com. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  23. "Sunday Old School: Testament". Metalunderground.com. July 31, 2011. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  24. "Overkill Tour Dates". metallipromo.com. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  25. "Thrashing Around At No. 4". Chicago Tribune. June 18, 1992. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  26. "Testament Tour Dates". chmetal.info. Retrieved July 2, 2017.
  27. "Slayer Tour Dates". chmetal.info. Retrieved July 2, 2017.
  28. "Sepultura". Metallipromo.com. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  29. "Testament Concert Setlist at Cow Palace, Daly City on May 26, 1991". setlist.fm. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  30. "Anthrax Concert Setlist at Cow Palace, Daly City on May 26, 1991". setlist.fm. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  31. "Features". Metalupdate.com. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
  32. "TESTAMENT Frontman: 'The Timing Is Right For This Band Again'". Blabbermouth.net. June 27, 2007. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  33. "The Iron Maiden Commentary – Tours – Fear Of The Dark Tour 1992 – Dates and Venues". Ironmaidencommentary.com. Retrieved December 2, 2017.
  34. "1992 Tour – Black Sabbath Online". Black-Sabbath.com. Archived from the original on July 1, 2017. Retrieved December 2, 2017.
  35. "TESTAMENT: DVD Action Galore". Blabbermouth.net. December 14, 2004. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  36. "TESTAMENT: 'Seen Between The Lines' DVD Details Revealed". Blabbermouth.net. January 13, 2005. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  37. "Testament Debut New Song, Interview Posted – in Metal News". Metalunderground.com. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
  38. "Ozzy Osbourne, Judas Priest, Cavalera Conspiracy, Voivod Confirmed For Monsters Of Rock". Blabbermouth.net. Archived from the original on December 16, 2008. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
  39. Blabbermouth (June 13, 2006). "TESTAMENT Guitarist: 'New Material Is Sounding Pretty Old-School'". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved July 12, 2019.
  40. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on February 15, 2009. Retrieved December 26, 2009.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  41. "BLABBERMOUTH.NET – TESTAMENT Recruits Ex-MEGADETH Guitarist GLEN DROVER For Upcoming Mexico Tour Dates". October 25, 2008. Retrieved July 12, 2019.
  42. "BLABBERMOUTH.NET – 'Priest Feast' Featuring JUDAS PRIEST, MEGADETH, TESTAMENT: French Date Added". December 16, 2008. Retrieved July 12, 2019.
  43. "7 Jun – Testament bring Damnation to Australia". June 9, 2010. Archived from the original on June 9, 2010. Retrieved July 12, 2019.
  44. "BLABBERMOUTH.NET – TESTAMENT Hoping To Enter Studio In March". September 13, 2012. Retrieved July 12, 2019.
  45. "BLABBERMOUTH.NET – TESTAMENT Recording New Album With Drummer GENE HOGLAN". June 24, 2011. Retrieved July 12, 2019.
  46. "Full details on 2011 ROCKSTAR MAYHEM FESTIVAL". Kikaxemusic.com. Retrieved October 6, 2011.
  47. "Drummer Paul Bostaph Quits Testament". Blabbermouth.net. December 1, 2011. Archived from the original on December 3, 2011. Retrieved December 1, 2011.
  48. "January/February 2013 Digital issue: TESTAMENT". Rock Revolt Magazine. January 17, 2013.
  49. "BLABBERMOUTH.NET – TESTAMENT: New Album Title Revealed; Tour With ANTHRAX, OVERKILL, DEATH ANGEL Planned". July 17, 2011. Retrieved July 12, 2019.
  50. "BLABBERMOUTH.NET – OVERKILL Not Touring With ANTHRAX, TESTAMENT; Band…". September 8, 2012. Retrieved July 12, 2019.
  51. "TESTAMENT Taps Drummer JOHN TEMPESTA For ANTHRAX Tour". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. September 7, 2011.
  52. "Eric Peterson: 'If Testament Sees Darker Days, I Don't Know If This Lineup Would Stick'". Blabbermouth.net. August 13, 2012. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
  53. "Testament Frontman: 'We're Not Going To Take Huge Gaps Between Records Anymore'". Blabbermouth.net. July 21, 2012. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
  54. Bowar, Chad. "Gene Hoglan Interview". Heavymetal.about.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2017. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
  55. "Rock Overdose – News – Chuck Billy (TESTAMENT) on Rock Overdose:"New album to be released in 2014"". September 23, 2013. Archived from the original on September 23, 2013.
  56. "Testament: "Dark Roots of Thrash" DVD/CD Details Released –". Testamentlegions.com. August 15, 2013. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
  57. "Testament Parts Ways With Bassist Greg Christian, Announces Return Of Steve Digiorgio". Blabbermouth.net. January 13, 2014. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
  58. "Former Testament Bassist Greg Christian: 'It Sucks To Be Poor And Famous'". Blabbermouth.net. May 1, 2014. Retrieved June 28, 2016.
  59. "Former Testament Bassist Greg Christian On His Departure: 'I Got Sick Of Not Getting Paid'". Blabbermouth.net. June 26, 2014. Retrieved June 28, 2016.
  60. "Ex-Testament Bassist Greg Christian Says He Made 'Only' $38,000 For Live Performances In All Of 2013". Blabbermouth.net. July 10, 2014. Retrieved June 28, 2016.
  61. "Don't Expect Next Testament Album Before 2016, Says Eric Peterson". Blabbermouth.net. April 18, 2015. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
  62. "Testament Hopes To Complete New Album Before December". Blabbermouth.net. June 14, 2015. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  63. "Interview: Testament – The National Student". Thenationalstudent.com. May 11, 2016. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
  64. "TESTAMENT Sets Release Date For 'The Brotherhood Of The Snake' Album". Blabbermouth.net. June 28, 2016. Retrieved June 28, 2016.
  65. "Dates with Amon Amarth in the U.K. and Ireland". Testamentlegions.com. June 13, 2016. Retrieved June 28, 2016.
  66. "Testament To Tour North America With Sepultura, Prong; Blabbermouth.net Presale Available". Blabbermouth.net. December 5, 2016. Retrieved December 6, 2016.
  67. "INFERNAL TENEBRA and DYING GORGEOUS LIES to Tour With TESTAMENT, SEPULTURA and PRONG in North America". Metalshockfinland.com. December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 31, 2016.
  68. "Testament To Tour Europe With Annihilator, Death Angel". Blabbermouth.net. June 9, 2017. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  69. "Testament Announces Second Leg Of European Tour; Annihilator And Vader To Support". Blabbermouth.net. November 2, 2017. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  70. Hartmann, Graham (January 22, 2018). "Slayer Recruit Lamb of God, Anthrax, Behemoth + Testament for Final Tour". Loudwire. Retrieved January 22, 2018.
  71. "SLAYER Announces Second North American Leg Of 'Final' Tour". Blabbermouth.net. March 5, 2018. Retrieved March 5, 2018.
  72. "ANTHRAX, TESTAMENT, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, Others Confirmed For MEGADETH's First-Ever 'Megacruise'". Blabbermouth. October 9, 2018. Retrieved October 11, 2018.
  73. "Testament Is Already Working On Material For Next Album". Blabbermouth.net. March 13, 2017. Retrieved March 13, 2017.
  74. "Testament Hopes To Release Next Album In 2018". Blabbermouth.net. March 20, 2017. Retrieved March 20, 2017.
  75. "Testament: No New Album Until Next Year". Ultimate-Guitar.com. March 19, 2018. Retrieved January 30, 2020.
  76. "TESTAMENT's CHUCK BILLY: 'We Want To Release A New Album In 2019'". Blabbermouth.net. May 9, 2018. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  77. "TESTAMENT Are Working On New Album". MetalAddicts.com. February 8, 2019. Retrieved February 9, 2019.
  78. "TESTAMENT Frontman: 'It's Time To Buckle Down And Try To Get Some Music Written'". Blabbermouth.net. August 8, 2018. Retrieved August 8, 2018.
  79. "TESTAMENT In Pre-Production For New Album: 'It's Gonna Be A Monster Record'". Blabbermouth.net. May 5, 2019. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
  80. "TESTAMENT Has Finished Recording New Album, Says GENE HOGLAN". Blabbermouth.net. June 18, 2019. Retrieved June 19, 2019.
  81. "TESTAMENT's New Album To Be Released In January 2020". Blabbermouth.net. June 23, 2019. Retrieved June 23, 2019.
  82. "TESTAMENT, EXODUS And DEATH ANGEL To Join Forces For 'The Bay Strikes Back 2020' European Tour". Blabbermouth.net. July 29, 2019. Retrieved July 29, 2019.
  83. "The "Bay Area Strikes Back" Tour with Testament, Exodus, and Death Angel Could Hit the U.S. Next Year". metalsucks.net. August 5, 2019. Retrieved August 6, 2019.
  84. "TESTAMENT Announces North American Tour With THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, MUNICIPAL WASTE; BLABBERMOUTH.NET Presale". Blabbermouth.net. February 3, 2020. Retrieved February 4, 2020.
  85. "TESTAMENT, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, MUNICIPAL WASTE Tour Officially Postponed". metalinjection.net. April 14, 2020. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  86. "Coronavirus Update: Members Of Bay Area Metal Bands Sick After Return From European Tour". CBS San Francisco. Retrieved March 22, 2020.
  87. "TESTAMENT Singer CHUCK BILLY Tests Positive For Coronavirus". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved March 22, 2020.
  88. "TESTAMENT Bassist STEVE DIGIORGIO Has Tested Positive For COVID-19". Blabbermouth.net. April 2, 2020. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  89. "Testament @ Rialto Theatre". events.rialtotheatrearchive.com. March 27, 2007. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  90. "DNA Lounge: Forbidden, 11 Dec 2010 (Sat)". dnalounge.com. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  91. "Photos: Bay Area Thrash Metal In The 80s, Including Metallica, Testament, and Exodus". sfist.com. July 30, 2014. Archived from the original on November 5, 2017. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  92. "10 Best Metal Albums of 1988". Loudwire.com. January 16, 2018. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  93. "Testament – Similar Artists". allmusic.com. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  94. "Interview Annihilator - GKGRock.com". gkgrock.com. April 2, 2009. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  95. "Machine Head – Similar Artists". allmusic.com. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  96. "Interview With Drowning Pool Guitarist C.J. Pierce". Manchester Rocks. February 22, 2013. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  97. "Kataklysm – Similar Artists". allmusic.com. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  98. "LAMB OF GOD's CHRIS ADLER Comments On TESTAMENT Guest Appearance". Blabbermouth.net. June 27, 2011. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  99. "Morbid Angel – Similar Artists". allmusic.com. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  100. "Gojira – Similar Artists". allmusic.com. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  101. "Tour Rumor: Testament, Killswitch Engage, Terror, Anthrax, Sevendust and Suicidal Tendencies". Ultimate-Guitar.com. April 30, 2018. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
  102. "Havok – Similar Artists". allmusic.com. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  103. "Interview With Havok Frontman David Sanchez – Metal Assault: Interviews". metalassault.com. November 21, 2013. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  104. "HAVOK (Eng.) – Queens of Steel". queensofsteel.com. July 2, 2015. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  105. "Havok's David Sanchez and Reece Scruggs: Guardians of the Riff". premierguitar.com. May 26, 2017. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  106. "Evile – Similar Artists". allmusic.com. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  107. "Evile – Lead Guitarist Ol Drake". metal-rules.com. November 24, 2006. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  108. "Markus Siepen Interview". Metalkings.com. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  109. "Suicidal Angels – Similar Artists". allmusic.com. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  110. "Nightwish – Similar Artists". allmusic.com. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  111. "UNEARTH Comments On Upcoming North American Tour With TESTAMENT". Blabbermouth.net. April 2, 2009. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  112. "Skeletonwitch – Similar Artists". allmusic.com. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  113. "Fight – Similar Artists". allmusic.com. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  114. "Incite – Similar Artists". allmusic.com. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  115. "Demolition Hammer – Similar Artists". allmusic.com. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  116. "Forced Entry – Similar Artists". allmusic.com. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.