Testament
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Band Timeline
1983
Formation of the band as Legacy
Testament was originally formed in 1983 in Berkeley, California, under the name Legacy by guitarist Eric Peterson and his cousin Derrick Ramirez. This initial formation set the foundation for what would become one of the most important bands in the thrash metal genre. During these early years, the band developed their sound and performed under the Legacy name, gaining attention within the San Francisco Bay Area metal scene.
1986
Name change to Testament and classic lineup formation
In 1986, Legacy changed their name to Testament, marking a significant turning point for the band. This year also saw the establishment of what fans consider the classic Testament lineup, including Chuck Billy on lead vocals (who replaced Steve 'Zetro' Souza), Eric Peterson and Alex Skolnick on guitars, Greg Christian on bass, and Louie Clemente on drums. This lineup would become the face of Testament during their rise to prominence in the thrash metal scene.
1987
Release of debut album 'The Legacy'
Testament released their debut studio album 'The Legacy' in 1987 through Megaforce Records initially and later Atlantic Records. The album drew substantial acclaim in the thrash metal community for its aggression and technical proficiency. It helped establish Testament as leaders in the second wave of thrash metal bands and laid the groundwork for their future success. The album featured popular tracks like 'Over the Wall' and set the stage for their growing fan base.
1988
Success with 'The New Order' album
'The New Order,' Testament's second album, was released in 1988 under Atlantic Records. This album reinforced the band's reputation for powerful thrash metal with complex compositions and aggressive lyricism. The album received critical and commercial success, expanding their audience and featuring music videos for singles such as 'Trial By Fire' and 'Nobody's Fault.' This period solidified Testament as key players within thrash's elite, sometimes referred to as the 'Big Six' in the Bay Area thrash metal scene.
1989
Release of 'Practice What You Preach' and mainstream breakthrough
The 1989 album 'Practice What You Preach' marked Testament's first entry into the Billboard Top 100 charts, highlighting their crossover into a broader mainstream audience. The album's more socially conscious lyrics combined with the band's signature thrash sound appealed widely. The title track became a thrash metal anthem, and the band toured extensively in support of the album, further entrenching their presence in the metal world.
1990
Continued success with 'Souls of Black' album
In 1990, Testament released their fourth studio album, 'Souls of Black,' which charted well on the Billboard 200 and continued their streak of critically acclaimed releases. The album maintained the band's thrash metal roots while experimenting slightly with darker and heavier themes. The band supported the album with tours and videos, keeping their momentum strong despite growing competition within the metal scene at the time.
1992
Release of 'The Ritual' and lineup changes
1992 saw the release of 'The Ritual,' Testament's fifth studio album, which charted highly and featured the band's only charting US hit, 'Return to Serenity.' However, this year also marked significant lineup changes as both drummer Louie Clemente and lead guitarist Alex Skolnick departed the band. These changes challenged Testament's stability but set the stage for their transition into the next phase of their career during the 1990s.
1994
Release of 'Low' and experimentation era
The album 'Low' was released in 1994, marking Testament's sixth studio effort and showing experimentation with alternate and groove metal influences, reflecting the changing metal landscape. Despite the stylistic shifts, 'Low' maintained commercial success and featured the sole involvement of Mike Portnoy as a session drummer after several lineup alterations. This era was marked by frequent personnel changes, including various guitarists and drummers, reflecting the band's efforts to evolve their sound.
2001
First Strike Still Deadly and Chuck Billy's cancer diagnosis
In 2001, Testament released 'First Strike Still Deadly,' an album comprising re-recorded versions of songs from their early years, featuring the reunion of original members Steve 'Zetro' Souza, Alex Skolnick, and John Tempesta. This release coincided with Chuck Billy's diagnosis with germ cell seminoma (a form of cancer), which caused the band to take a temporary hiatus. The album served as both a celebration of their legacy and a bridge to their eventual comeback.
2005
Classic lineup reunion and Live in London album
Testament's classic lineup, including Eric Peterson, Chuck Billy, Alex Skolnick, Greg Christian, and Louie Clemente briefly reunited in 2005. This reunion resulted in the live album 'Live in London,' capturing the energy and chemistry of their earlier years. Skolnick and Christian would eventually rejoin the band permanently in the following years, signaling a period of renewed stability and creative output.
2008
Release of 'The Formation of Damnation' and resurgence
After a period marked by lineup changes and inactivity, Testament released 'The Formation of Damnation' in 2008. This album was met with critical and commercial acclaim, entering the Top 100 on the Billboard 200 and heralding a resurgence in the band's popularity. The record showcased Testament's return to their thrash metal roots with modern production values and reaffirmed their status within the metal community.
2012
Release of 'Dark Roots of Earth' and ongoing success
Testament continued their momentum with the 2012 release of 'Dark Roots of Earth,' which also charted well and featured striking music videos, including 'Native Blood.' The album was praised for its intense thrash rhythms and lyrical depth, further cementing Testament's standing among modern metal acts. The band maintained steady touring and recording activity, endearing them to both longtime fans and newer audiences.
2016
Release of 'Brotherhood of the Snake' and lineup stability
The 2016 album 'Brotherhood of the Snake' was Testament's tenth studio album, highlighting the band's sustained creativity and technical skill. The album featured themes of conspiracy and mythology, resonating with metal audiences worldwide. Testament's lineup had largely stabilized, and they continued to tour globally, maintaining their reputation as a dynamic live act and a prominent name in thrash metal.
2020
Release of 'Titans of Creation' amid the modern era
'Titans of Creation,' released in 2020, demonstrated that Testament remained relevant and vital within the thrash metal genre. The album debuted strongly on the charts despite global challenges and continued Testament's legacy of powerful, aggressive thrash metal music paired with intricate musicianship. The band supported the album with tours and maintained a strong fanbase across generations.
Upcoming (2025)
Expected release of 'Para Bellum'
Testament's upcoming fourteenth studio album, titled 'Para Bellum,' is expected to be released in the fall of 2025. Fans and critics alike anticipate that the band will continue to deliver their signature blend of thrash metal intensity mixed with refined musicianship. This anticipated release exemplifies Testament's enduring presence in the metal scene over four decades. The band continues to tour and record actively, solidifying their status as legends within their genre.
Albums
The Legacy
9 tracks
1987
📷
No Image
The New Order
10 tracks
1988
Practice What You Preach
10 tracks
1989
Souls of Black
10 tracks
1990
The Ritual
11 tracks
1992
Low
12 tracks
1994
Demonic
11 tracks
1997
The Gathering
12 tracks
1999
The Formation of Damnation
11 tracks
2008
Dark Roots of Earth
13 tracks
2012
Brotherhood of the Snake
10 tracks
2016
📷
No Image
Titans of Creation
12 tracks
2020
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Gene Hoglan
2012
Drums (drum set)
Chuck Billy
1986
Lead vocals
Alex Skolnick
2005
Guitar
Nicholas Barker
N/A
Steve DiGiorgio
2014
Bass guitar
Eric Peterson
1983
Guitar
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Derrick Ramirez
1983
1983
Guitar
James Murphy
1998
2000
Guitar
Steve DiGiorgio
1998
2004
Bass guitar
John Tempesta
1993
1994
Drums (drum set)
Greg Christian
2004
2014
Bass guitar
James Murphy
1993
1996
Guitar
Gene Hoglan
1996
1997
Paul Bostaph
1992
1993
Membranophone
Jon Allen
1999
2004
Membranophone
Jon Dette
1994
1995
Membranophone
Greg Christian
1983
1996
Bass guitar
Mike Ronchette
1985
1986
Membranophone
Alex Skolnick
1983
1993
Guitar
Steve Smyth
2000
2004
Louie Clemente
1986
1993
Membranophone
Dave Lombardo
1998
1999
Drums (drum set)
Derrick Ramirez
1997
1998
Bass guitar
Steve Souza
1983
1986
Lead vocals
Louie Clemente
1983
1985
Membranophone
Story of 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.
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