Continuing the countdown of my Top 5 metal bands of all time, next up is my #4 all time favorite band:
TESTAMENT
l to r: Louie Clemente, Chuck Billy, Eric Peterson, Alex Skolnick and Greg Christian
Picture courtesy of Wikipedia
Formed in 1983 and originally known as Legacy, Testament is considered one of the most influential bands of the thrash scene and still continue to prove they have what it takes to cement their place in metal history. They have released eleven albums to date and are planning for a new studio album in 2019.
Hailing from the Bay Area in California, Testament has had their share of ups and downs over the years including singer Chuck Billy’s diagnosis with a rare type of testicular cancer. His diagnosis inspired Chuck’s friends to create a Thrash of the Titans benefit which featured many Bay Area thrash bands including Vio-Lence, Death Angel and Exodus to name a few. Chuck made a successful recovery and came back stronger than ever.
While most of the original classic lineup including Chuck Billy, Alex Skolnick and Eric Peterson are in the band, drummer Gene Hoglan and bassist Steve Di Giorgio round out the rest of the band without missing a beat. Guitarist Alex Skolnick left Testament in 1992 to pursue other musical avenues including a jazz project, before returning to the Testament fold in 2005.
Check out the video below for the song “Trial By Fire” off the band’s second album “The New Order” This was the first song I ever heard by Testament and instantly I was hooked. What’s your favorite Testament song? Let me know in the comments below.
The Metal Wire 