Eric Peterson of Testament

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, [ more ]

TESTAMENT NOMINATED FOR METAL HAMMER GOLDEN GODS AWARDS 2008...UK FANS CAN WIN TICKETS TO SEE TESTAMENT LIVE!!!

The Formation of Damnation, the crushing new release from thrash metal heroes Testament, has been nominated for Best Album at this year’s Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards. The awards ceremony will take place at the O2 Arena in London on Monday, June 16, where Testament will be performing LIVE, along with Disturbed, In Flames, and Children Of Bodom.
 
Metal Maniacs calls the album, “Freshly brutal and heroically nostalgic…The culmination of a decade of dedication and perseverance for the Bay Area Kings; the entire band sounds brilliant.” Revolver Magazine says, “Don't call it a comeback. Just call it AWESOME.”
 
Die-hard fans from the UK will have the opportunity to win tickets to see the band perform LIVE at Golden Gods 2008. The contest is available to UK residents only. Entrants must send their e-mail address, full name, date of birth, address, post code, and contact number to testament-goldengods@nuclearblast.de. Entrants must be 16+ (with ID) and able to arrange travel to the gig. Doors open at 7pm and close at 11pm. All entries must be received by May 21, 2008.
 
The Formation of Damnation streets in the US on April 29!!
 

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