Testament Biography, Discography.

Band "Testament" :: read Biography, Discography, Members and more...
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Style: Thrash
Year of birth: 1983
Country: USA
Views: 7721. Updated: 26 January, 2005 by Project Moderators

Biography of Band

Testament was one of the first thrash metal bands to emerge from the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1980's. Originally formed as 'Legacy' in 1983 by founding members Eric Peterson (rhythm guitar), Derrick Ramirez (guitar) and Louie Clemente (drums), the line-up included vocalist Steve Souza and Greg Christian (bass). Ramirez was later replaced by wunderkind Alex Skolnick (lead guitar). Souza soon departed to join Exodus and suggested that the towering Chuck Billy take over as frontman. The band became known as 'Testament' 3 years later, while recording their debut album in Ithaca, New York.

"The Legacy" was a brutal intro in 1987, putting Testament at the forefront of the flourishing thrash metal scene. Following "Live At Eindhoven", an EP recorded at Holland's Dynamo Festival, "The New Order" in 1988 was well received producing one of the band's most memorable classics "Disciples Of The Watch". Next came the highly successful "Practice What You Preach" in 1989, then the release of "Souls Of Black" in 1990, coinciding with the European 'Clash Of The Titans' tour with Slayer, Megadeth and Suicidal Tendencies.

After "The Ritual" in 1992, Skolnick, who was losing interest in pure metal, decided to pursue his interest in jazz and left the band. Clemente also departed. "Return To Apocalyptic City" in 1993 brought Glen Alvelais (guitar, ex- Forbidden) into the fold, and filling in temporarily for Clemente, Paul Bostaph (ex- Forbidden, Slayer). James Murphy (ex- Death, Obituary, Disincarnate, Cancer) soon stepped in for Alvelais on lead duties for "Low" in 1994, as John Tempesta (ex- Exodus) took over on the drums. Tempesta later left to join White Zombie, and was replaced by John Dette (ex- Evil Dead ). "Live At The Fillmore" was released in 1995, then Dette left in 1996 to join Slayer. "The Best Of Testament" was released in 1996.

"Demonic", which was recorded in Testament's Driftwood Studios, was released in 1997. James Murphy and Greg Christian having left the band were replaced by alumni Glen Alvelais and Derrick Ramirez (bass). Gene Hoglan (drums, ex- Death, Dark Angel) lent his percussion talents. "Signs Of Chaos", a 'best of' disc of the band, was released in 1997.

Dave Lombardo (ex- Slayer, Grip, Inc.) was officially introduced into the band. James Murphy was brought back once again, and on bass, the legendary Steve DiGiorgio (ex- Death, Control Denied, Sadus). "The Gathering" was born in 1999. James Murphy abruptly departed, which was determined later for reasons due to a serious illness. Steve Smyth (ex- Vicious Rumors) jumped aboard as 'touring guitarist', later to be invited to stay on as a permanent member. Lombardo soon also left, not being able to commit, having other projects on his plate. In 2000, Jon Allen (drums, ex- Sadus) joined the band.

After the successful "Riding The Snake" world tour to promote "The Gathering", vocalist Billy was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called 'germ cell seminoma' in March 2001. Despite his illness and grueling cancer treatments, Billy offered his ground shaking vocals to the re-recording of Testament classics on "First Strike Still Deadly" with a reunion of sorts, bringing back Alex Skolnick and John Tempesta to record on the disc.

In 2002, Billy has since been recovering well, and with the permanent new Testament line-up of Billy, Peterson, DiGiorgio, Smyth and Allen, the fans look forward to the next release of the band, stronger than ever.

Members of Testament

Current Members:
Eric Peterson. In Band at: 1983 - . Role: Guitars
Steve DiGiorgio. In Band at: 1998 - . Role: Bass
Paul Bostaph. In Band at: 2004 - . Role: Drums
Chuck Billy. In Band at: 1986 - . Role: Vocals
Mike Chlasciak. In Band at: 2004 - . Role: Guitars
Past Members:
Steve Souza. Period: 1983 - 1986. Role: Vocals
John Tempesta. Period: 1993 - 1994. Role: Drums
Gene Hoglan. Period: 1997 - 1997. Role: Drums
Dave Lombardo. Period: 1998 - 1999. Role: Drums
Side projects: Slayer
Alex Skolnick. Period: 1983 - 1993. Role: Guitars
Glen Alvelais. Period: 1996 - 1996. Role: Guitars
James Murphy. Period: 1993 - 1996. Role: Guitars
Derrick Ramírez. Period: 1996 - 1998. Role: Guitars, bass
Steve Smyth. Period: 2000 - 2004. Role: Guitars
Greg Christian. Period: 1983 - 1996. Role: Bass
Louie Clemente. Period: 1983 - 1992. Role: Drums
Chris Kontos. Period: 1996 - 1996. Role: Drums
Steve Jacobs. Period: 1999 - 2000. Role: drums
Jon Allen. Period: 2000 - 2004. Role: Drums

Discography

CD: The Legacy (1987) Tracklist.
CD: Live at Eindhoven (1987) Tracklist.
CD: The New Order (1988) Tracklist.
CD: Practice What You Preach (1989) Tracklist.
CD: Souls Of Black (1990) Tracklist.
CD: The Ritual (1992) Tracklist.
EP: Return To The Apocalyptic City (1993) Tracklist.
CD: Low (1994) Tracklist.
CD: Live At The Fillmore (1995) Tracklist.
Compilation: The Best Of Testament (1996) Tracklist.
CD: Demonic (1997) Tracklist.
Compilation: Signs Of Chaos (1997) Tracklist.
CD: The Gathering (1999) Tracklist.
Compilation: The Very Best Of Testament (2001) Tracklist.
CD: First Strike Still Deadly (2001) Tracklist.
Compilation: Days Of Darkness (2004) Tracklist.


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