Testament

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Testament was one of the first thrash metal bands to emerge from the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1980s. 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(and was later run over by a bus). 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.

Genres

Thrash Metal Metal Heavy Metal

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Style over time

Genres of the artist's albums over the years: the higher the line, the stronger the genre on that album

Similar artists

Artists on air on the same radio stations and in the same genres

Testament members

Current members: Eric Peterson (guitar, original), Chuck Billy (lead vocals), Alex Skolnick (guitar), Steve DiGiorgio (bass guitar), Gene Hoglan (drums (drum set)), Chris Dovas (drums (drum set))

Former members: Greg Christian (bass guitar, original), Louie Clemente (membranophone, original), Paul Bostaph (drums (drum set)), James Murphy (guitar), Jon Allen (membranophone), Steve Smyth, Steve Souza (lead vocals, original), Dave Lombardo (drums (drum set)), John Tempesta (drums (drum set)), Derrick Ramirez (bass guitar, guitar, original), Jon Dette (membranophone), Mike Ronchette (membranophone), Nicholas Barker (drums (drum set))