Difference between revisions of "Testament"
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| − | * [[Chuck Billy | + | * [[Chuck Billy|Chuck Billy]] - vocals (1986–present) |
* [[Eric Peterson (musician)|Eric Peterson]] - rhythm and lead guitar (1983–present) | * [[Eric Peterson (musician)|Eric Peterson]] - rhythm and lead guitar (1983–present) | ||
* [[Alex Skolnick]] - lead guitar (1983–1993, 2001, 2005–present) | * [[Alex Skolnick]] - lead guitar (1983–1993, 2001, 2005–present) | ||
Revision as of 11:51, 21 October 2009
Testament is an American thrash metal band from Oakland, California, formed in 1983. Testament has two Top 40 albums and one Top 50 album to its credit in the UK. Their 2008 album entered the Top 20 in Germany at #15. The 1999 album The Gathering also entered the Top 50 in Germany. They had minor top 100 album success in the United States.
Testament was formed in the San Francisco area in 1983 by guitarist Eric Peterson and his cousin, Derrick Ramirez, also a guitarist, originally using the name Legacy. The band soon recruited bassist Greg Christian, drummer Mike Ronchette, and vocalist Steve Souza. Ramirez was subsequently replaced by guitarist Alex Skolnick, who had studied under SF Bay Area guitarist Joe Satriani. The band released one self-titled 4 song demo in 1986. Ronchette left shortly after the recording and was replaced by Louie Clemente. Steve Souza subsequently left the band to join Exodus, and suggested that Chuck Billy should replace him on lead vocals. While recording their first album, the band was forced to change their name to Testament (which, according to Maria Ferrero in the May 2007 issue of Revolver, was suggested by Billy Milano of S.O.D.) because "The Legacy" was already trademarked by a jazz band.
Current members
- Chuck Billy - vocals (1986–present)
- Eric Peterson - rhythm and lead guitar (1983–present)
- Alex Skolnick - lead guitar (1983–1993, 2001, 2005–present)
- Greg Christian - bass (1983–1996, 2004–present)
- Paul Bostaph - drums (1993, 2007–present)
Former members
- Louie Clemente - drums (1983–1993, 2005)
- John Tempesta - drums (1993–1994, 2005)
- Dave Lombardo - drums (1999)
- Gene Hoglan - drums (1996–1997)
- Glen Alvelais - guitar (1993, 1996–1998)
- Derrick Ramirez - bass/guitar/vocals (was also in the band when they went under the name Legacy. Did the guitar and vocal duties on their first demo) (1983–1984) (1997)
- James Murphy - guitar (1994–1995, 1998–1999)
- Jon Allen - drums (1999–2007)
- "Metal" Mike Chlasciak - guitar (2002)
- Steve "Zetro" Souza - vocals (1983–1986) (When they went under the name Legacy. He did the vocals on their second demo.)
- Jon Dette - drums (1998, 2000)
- Shawn Gairdner - drums (2000)
- Steve Smyth - guitar (2000–2004)
- Steve DiGiorgio - bass (1999–2004)
- Chris Kontos - drums (1995)
Touring members
- Glen Drover - guitar (2008)
- Nick Barker - drums (2006–2007)
- Steve Jacobs - touring drummer, South American leg of the Demonic tour 1997 and Japanese leg of the Gathering tour 1999
Studio albums
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 1987 | The Legacy |
| 1988 | The New Order |
| 1989 | Practice What You Preach |
| 1990 | Souls of Black |
| 1992 | The Ritual |
| 1994 | Low |
| 1997 | Demonic |
| 1999 | The Gathering |
| 2001 | First Strike Still Deadly |
| 2008 | The Formation of Damnation |
| 2010 | TBA |
Live albums
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 1987 | Live at Eindhoven |
| 1993 | Return to the Apocalyptic City |
| 1995 | Live at the Fillmore |
| 2005 | Live in London |
