TESTAMENT is an undisputed titan of thrash metal. One of the definitive acts of the historic and high-octane genre since they first emerged from the San Francisco Bay Area in 1983, the modern icons established themselves with a series of classic records (released each year from 1987 through 1990). They never wavered creatively, unleashing one acclaimed album after another across four decades.

The band’s nearly 3 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone is a clear demonstration of the enduring strength of the Testament legions. Testament’s biggest anthems run the gamut of their storied career, from early classics like “Over the Wall” and “Into the Pit,” late ‘90s bangers like “Down for Life,” through modern scorchers like “For the Glory of…” and “Brotherhood of the Snake.”

An internationally recognized heavy metal institution, Testament regularly appears as a headlining mainstage act at major festivals. Over the years, they’ve toured alongside Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Korn, Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax, and Lamb Of God, among other contemporaries.

Charismatic frontman Chuck Billy’s distinctive voice infuses their signature sound with rich and diverse textures. Primary songwriter and cofounding guitarist Eric Peterson summons endlessly timeless riffs on command. Alex Skolnick, named one of the greatest of all time by Guitar World, was just 18 years old when Testament recorded their debut, The Legacy (1987). Longtime bassist Steve Di Giorgio (Sadus, Death, Obituary) brings rhythmic heft and fluid dexterity to the proceedings.

Drummer Chris Dovas, the band’s newest (and youngest) addition, adds his own passionate bombast while honoring the astounding legacy of former Testament drummers. (An alumnus including past and present members of Slayer, White Zombie, Dethklok, and Machine Head, among others.)

Both The Legacy (1987) and The New Order (1988) were inducted into Decibel Magazine’s prestigious Hall Of Fame, alongside albums from Metallica, Black Sabbath, and Motörhead. Revolver included The New Order on their list of 14 Thrash Albums You Need to Own. Guitar World recognized Practice What You Preach (1989) as one of the Top 10 Shred Albums of the Eighties. Souls of Black (1990) entered the Billboard 200 at No. 73; The Ritual (1992) debuted at No. 55. Guitar World called Low (1994) one of the Iconic Albums That Defined 1994. Demonic (1997) and The Gathering (1999) saw Testament mining new depths of extremity without sacrificing their bluesy swagger.

The Formation of Damnation (2008) won Best Album at Metal Hammer’s Golden Gods Awards, beating out records from Avenged Sevenfold, Children Of Bodom, Atreyu, and Down. Released nearly 30 years after the band’s formation, Dark Roots of Earth (2012) became their highest-charting album yet, moving more than 20,000 copies during its first week in the US and debuting at No. 12.

Brotherhood of the Snake (2016) enjoyed another Top 20 debut and hit No. 1 on the Independent chart. Titans of Creation (2020) joined year-end lists in Consequence, Loudwire, and Metal Hammer.

As the band gears up for a fall 2024 co-headlining tour with Kreator dubbed Klash Of The Titans, Testament continues work on their next studio album, which promises to become another modern classic. During the tour, the band will perform an “old-school set” celebrating the forthcoming remastered reissues of their landmark first two albums, The Legacy and The New Order.

The worldwide Testament Legions only continues to grow with renewed fervor and passion as one of the definitive acts of modern heavy metal marches forward, never wavering and always crushing.

[new bio by Ryan J. Downey, written 5/24/2024]