With their new album, The Dark Roots of Earth scheduled for a February 2012 release, Testament -- with original members Alex Skolnick and Greg Christian back in the fold -- are well on their way to reclaiming the Bay Area thrash dominance they held in the late eighties and early nineties.
Formerly, guitarist Eric Peterson had been the only original member playing in Testament until bassist Christian returned in 2004, followed by lead guitarist Skolnick a year later.
Since their inception in 1983, Testament have employed a virtual who's who of top metal players, including drummer Dave Lombardo and "Metal" Mike Chlasciak. The band was a launching ground for some and a quick stint for others. But Peterson -- the band's only consistent member -- and long-time vocalist Chuck Billy have managed to keep the Testament juggernaut rolling despite the various lineup changes.
Testament are set to support The Dark Roots of Earth with a tour including Anthrax and Death Angel.
“George asked, ‘Is it OK if I do a little slide?’ I had a ’63 Strat, and that’s what he used. He was one of the best slide players ever”: They flew high with the help of the Beatles, and a few hits, then collapsed in a mess of mismanagement and tragedy
“They said, ‘We need a good singer.’ We said, ‘What’s the matter with James Hetfield?’” NWOBHM survivors Raven on giving insecure Metallica their first national tour, and pioneering the 8-string bass and bass trem
