Testament Sign with Nuclear Blast

Can I get a witness? How about 20,000?

That’s how many fans were on hand when thrash metal legends Testament inked a recording deal with Nuclear Blast onstage at the Earthshaker Festival in Rieden, Germany, on July 20. The contract gives Nuclear Blast worldwide distribution rights for new material from the group, which features the original lineup of Eric Peterson, Chuck Billy, Alex Skolnick and Greg Christian, with the addition of drummer Nick Barker (Dimmu Borgir, Cradle of Filth).

"We are very happy that we are signed to one of the best metal labels in the world,” vocalist Billy says. “It's a great feeling that we are in a house that will not crumble.”

Adds guitarist Eric Peterson, "This is going to be our best record to date, and it will be the essence of what Testament is. Nuclear Blast is the perfect label for us—they eat, breathe and sleep metal. I am excited, also, because a lot of my favorite bands are on Nuclear Blast, giving us the opportunity to be label mates with them. Finally, we are coming home!"

Testament plan to enter the studio later this year to begin work on their new album.