Testament

Testament: A Bay Area Thrash Titan

Testament, hailing from Berkeley, California, is a legendary thrash metal band that has carved its name into the history of heavy music. Formed in 1983 as Legacy, they've endured countless lineup changes over the decades, but the core fire of their sound remains strong. The current lineup features founding rhythm guitarist Eric Peterson, powerful vocalist Chuck Billy, lead guitarist Alex Skolnick, bassist Steve Di Giorgio, and drummer Chris Dovas.

While Peterson is the sole original member still standing, Testament has been fortunate enough to reunite with Skolnick, who left the band between 1992 and 2005. Billy, who joined in 1986 after replacing original singer Steve "Zetro" Souza, is the other constant in the band's story. Together, Peterson and Billy are the only members to appear on all of Testament's studio albums, a testament to their unwavering commitment to the band.

Their legacy is solidified in 13 studio albums (including a re-recorded collection), 4 live albums, 5 compilation albums, 13 singles, and 3 DVDs. With an estimated 1.4 million albums sold in the US alone since the beginning of SoundScan era, and over 14 million sold worldwide as of 2016, Testament's influence is undeniable.

Often lauded as one of the most popular and influential thrash bands, Testament is a key player in the "Big Six of Bay Area Thrash" alongside Exodus, Death Angel, Lȧȧz Rockit, Forbidden, and Vio-lence. Their impact on the second wave of thrash in the late 1980s is undeniable. Their classic lineup, solidified in 1986, featured Billy, Peterson, Skolnick, bassist Greg Christian, and drummer Louie Clemente, a team that helped define Testament's signature sound.

Testament was among the early thrash bands to secure a deal with a major label, Atlantic Records, a partnership that yielded their first six studio albums. As the band continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: Testament's unwavering commitment to powerful, aggressive, and technically brilliant thrash metal, a testament to their staying power and impact on the genre.