TESTAMENT’s chuck Billy Teases Upcoming Album and Creative Process
In a recent interview with Australia’s Wall Of sound,TESTAMENT frontman Chuck Billy shared exciting updates about the band’s highly anticipated follow-up to their 2020 album,Titans Of Creation. While a specific release date hasn’t been confirmed, Billy revealed, “We don’t have a date yet, but we’re hoping the end of the first quarter, going into the second quarter. So definitely before we get to Australia [in June 2025], I would think. Definitely the single should be hitting. We start mixing it in January sometime. So, as soon as the label has an opening and things line up, we’ll get it out there. But it’s coming out really good.”
The album, which has been in the works for over a year, features notable contributions from drummer Chris Dovas and guitarist Eric Peterson, the band’s main songwriter.Billy praised their collaboration, stating, “Eric and Chris got a lot done and came up with some killer stuff, man.”
Dovas,who joined TESTAMENT as the successor to legendary drummers like Dave Lombardo (SLAYER) and Gene Hoglan (DARK ANGEL,DEATH,DETHKLOK),has brought a fresh energy to the band. Billy acknowledged his impact, saying, “He’s right up there with all those guys, man, because he’s coming in young, new-influence chops, too, and adding a different dimension to TESTAMENT. That’s why I’m excited about the writing, because he, I guess, inspired eric enough to just write some pretty kick-ass, balls-out stuff, but a little bit around it of everything.”
The creative process for this album has been notably dynamic, with Dovas and Peterson spending extensive time jamming and experimenting. Billy explained, “Chris is a very fast, aggressive drummer, and I can tell that it just inspired eric just to be Eric and play guitar instead of trying to think about building a song or making a song — ’Let’s just jam.’ And that’s the kind of way they approached it.And next thing you know, they had 10, 11, 12 jams that were sounding pretty strong, but individually identified just different vibes.”
Looking ahead, TESTAMENT plans to continue their creative momentum. After their European tour with ANTHRAX and KREATOR in early 2025, the band intends to start writing more songs. Billy shared, “Eric had such a good writing session, he’s already talking about after this tour, starting [in] early [2025], they’re gonna get together and just start writing more songs. Just keep chugging forward.”
The band’s 2025 schedule will be relatively light, with a focus on headlining tours and writing new material. Billy noted,”We’re not going to Europe [this] year. We’re gonna just problably have one headlining tour at the end of the year, and that’s about it. Maybe a short run in America. we’ll see. So we have a window to do a lot of jamming. So hopefully we can get some more songs written and get ahead of another record.”
Fans can expect a unique and powerful album that blends TESTAMENT’s signature sound with fresh influences. As Billy put it, “This [album is] gonna be very special. I think I’m more excited about this one, just because of the fact — the timing of everything. I’m a big person believer in things happen for reasons.”
| Key Details | Summary |
|——————|————-|
| Release Window | End of Q1 to early Q2 2025 |
| Single Release | Expected before June 2025 |
| Mixing Start | January 2025 |
| Creative Highlights | Chris Dovas’ drumming inspired Eric Peterson’s writing |
| 2025 Plans | Headlining tour, focus on writing new material |
Stay tuned for more updates as TESTAMENT prepares to unleash their latest masterpiece.TESTAMENT’s New Album: A Modern Evolution with a Powerful Duet
Legendary thrash metal band TESTAMENT is gearing up to release their highly anticipated new album, and it promises to be a bold step forward for the band. In a recent interview, frontman Chuck Billy and guitarist Eric Peterson shared exciting details about the upcoming record, revealing a modern sound, diverse vocal styles, and a standout duet with Floor jansen of Nightwish.
A Modern Take on Classic TESTAMENT
When asked if the new album would revisit the band’s early roots or push forward, Chuck Billy emphasized that TESTAMENT has always been about evolution. “We never like to go backwards,” he said. “These songs, definitely the old classic stuff, ‘The Legacy’ and ‘The new Order’, that’s where we came from, those are the first songs we wrote, so definitely that’s who we are, but we always wanna evolve.”
The new record, though, is not just a continuation of their legacy—it’s a fresh, modern take. “This record, we’re fired up ’cause, to me, it sounds modern. That’s the one thing I’ve gotta say.It’s TESTAMENT but modern-sounding,” Billy explained.
The Drummer’s Impact
A significant factor in the album’s evolution is the band’s new drummer, Chris Dovas. According to Billy, dovas has brought a new level of energy and creativity to the writing process. “It’s probably the most a drummer has worked with Eric writing material, and it shows,” he said. “The songs are very strong, very heavy, very fast. We’ve got a little of everything.”
Dovas’s drumming has also inspired Eric Peterson to elevate his guitar work,creating a dynamic interplay that pushes the band’s sound to new heights. “He just puts it to another level as far as the drum playing and inspiring Eric to what he’s doing,” Billy added.
Vocal Challenges and Diversity
For Chuck billy, the new album has been a vocal challenge—and a rewarding one. “I’ve really had some challenges—a lot more screaming death metal, mid-tempo clean vocals. I’m doing a little bit of everything,” he shared. This diversity in vocal styles adds depth to the record, showcasing Billy’s versatility as a singer.The band is also excited about how the new songs will translate live. “We are still writing for ourselves, but we’re still excited that when we write a song, how it hits live, and that’s always been the payoff,” Billy said.
A Powerful Duet with Floor Jansen
One of the album’s standout tracks will feature a duet with floor Jansen, the powerhouse vocalist of Nightwish. Billy revealed that the collaboration came naturally, given their long-standing friendship.“Me and Floor became friends maybe under 10 years ago,” he said. “We all did this Christmas performance show through Europe. And we were singing our songs, but with a Christmas theme with an orchestra. And so we all traveled together and became friends.”
The duet promises to be an epic addition to the album. “We’re gonna put a string section on it, acoustic guitars. It’s gonna have a lot going on, but it’s a really, really beautiful song,” Billy explained.The track will feature a call-and-response dynamic between the two vocalists,with Billy and Jansen singing the lyrics to each other.
What to Expect
The new TESTAMENT album is shaping up to be a bold evolution of the band’s sound, blending their classic thrash roots with modern influences. With Chris Dovas on drums, diverse vocal styles from Chuck Billy, and a stunning duet with Floor Jansen, the record is poised to be one of the band’s most enterprising projects yet.
| Key Highlights of TESTAMENT’s New Album |
|——————————————–|
| Modern sound with classic thrash roots |
| chris Dovas’s impactful drumming |
| Diverse vocal styles from Chuck Billy |
| Epic duet with Floor Jansen |
| Heavy,fast tracks with mid-tempo moments |
Fans can expect a release date announcement soon,as the band continues to fine-tune the record. Stay tuned for more updates and prepare to experience TESTAMENT like never before.
What are your thoughts on TESTAMENT’s new direction? Share your excitement in the comments below!
TESTAMENT’s New Sound: A Fresh Take on a Legendary Legacy
TESTAMENT, the iconic thrash metal band, is gearing up to release new material that promises to be a bold evolution of their signature sound. In a recent interview with Metal Express Radio, guitarist Billy and vocalist Chuck shared insights into the band’s creative process, the influence of their new drummer, and the freedom they’ve found since leaving major labels behind.
A Modern Twist on a Classic Formula
Chuck described the new songs as “current” and “fresh,” emphasizing that they’re pushing boundaries while staying true to their roots. “They’re touching what a lot of new upcoming bands are making good names for themselves are doing. So,again,it’s raising the bar one more time,” he said.The band’s new material is expected to surprise both longtime fans and newcomers.Chuck added, “I think when fans hear this record, especially new, younger fans are gonna go, ‘Whoa. That’s TESTAMENT. I know the TESTAMENT I know from 30-something years ago and grew up with, but what is this?’”
The Influence of New Blood
The addition of drummer Chris Dovas, a Berklee College of Music graduate, has brought a fresh perspective to the band’s songwriting. At just 26, Dovas combines a deep understanding of music theory with a passion for modern bands, creating a unique dynamic with guitarist Eric Peterson.Billy explained, “He’s really into modern bands and new and upcoming stuff, and he’s got an old soul so he knows the history of the music. But I think him working hand in hand with Eric as long as they did, he really pushed Eric and drove Eric to get challenged.”
This collaboration has resulted in a sound that blends TESTAMENT’s classic thrash elements with contemporary influences, making the new material both innovative and familiar.
Creative Freedom in the Modern Era
one of the most significant changes for TESTAMENT has been the creative freedom they’ve gained since leaving Atlantic Records. Chuck reflected on their time with the major label, saying, “When we were on Atlantic, that was a big machine. They had an A&R department, they had the radio department, they had tons of departments, tons of money, and they were always influenced by how well their big-selling artists were.”
He added,“So that A&R guy would be whispering in our ears,’What’s the next radio song?’ And we’re thinking,’Well,we’re not a radio band.That’s not us.’”
Now,with Nuclear Blast,the band has the freedom to create without pressure.“There’s no deadline. It’s just, ‘When you’re ready, you have a record,’” Chuck said.
A Look Ahead
TESTAMENT’s upcoming release is shaping up to be a testament to their enduring legacy and willingness to evolve. With a modern sound, a new creative process, and the freedom to explore their artistry, the band is poised to captivate both old and new fans.
Key Highlights of TESTAMENT’s New Era
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Sound | Modern, fresh, and innovative while staying true to their thrash roots. |
| Influence | New drummer Chris Dovas brings a blend of modern and classic influences. |
| Creative Freedom | No deadlines or pressure, thanks to their partnership with Nuclear Blast. |
| Fan Expectations | A mix of nostalgia and surprise for both longtime and new fans. |
Stay tuned for more updates on TESTAMENT’s new material and prepare to experience a bold new chapter in their storied career.
For more insights into the band’s journey, check out their full interview on Metal Express Radio.TESTAMENT’s Upcoming Album: A Bold New Chapter in Thrash Metal
Legendary thrash metal band TESTAMENT is gearing up to release their highly anticipated new studio album, and the details emerging from the band members suggest it’s set to be a groundbreaking addition to their discography. With a fresh producer, innovative songwriting, and a mix of old and new influences, this record promises to push the boundaries of their sound.
A New Producer at the Helm
For their upcoming album, TESTAMENT has enlisted the expertise of Swedish producer jens Bogren, known for his work with iconic bands like OPETH, KREATOR, PARADISE LOST, and AMON AMARTH. This marks a significant shift for the band, who have traditionally worked with Andy Sneap. Alex Skolnick, the band’s guitarist, explained the change: “We usually work with Andy Sneap, but he’s [the touring guitarist] in JUDAS PRIEST and he’s just, like, ‘Bro, I need some time off.’ It’s a good switch, though. I think Jens will do a good job.”
Bogren’s reputation for crafting dynamic and powerful mixes has the band excited. Eric Peterson, the band’s rhythm guitarist, shared his enthusiasm: “He’s done KREATOR, he’s doing the new BEHEMOTH right now, he’s done IN FLAMES, ARCH ENEMY. A lot of european bands. I think Jens will do a good job. And yeah, there’s a lot of crazy stuff on this record. I’m excited for everybody to hear it.”
A Fresh Approach to Songwriting
The band has taken a collaborative approach to crafting this album, with each member contributing their unique perspective. Billy,the band’s bassist,revealed how the process differed from their previous work: “We always try to outdo ourselves or make a better record or write better songs. It’s always a challenge for ourselves, and I think this time we really took a long time to create the record.”
The addition of Chris Dovas, the band’s new drummer, has injected fresh energy into the creative process. billy explained, “I think he brought a new fire to Eric in the writing process. and I believe because we’re going on 37 years of making records, it’s kind of full circle right now. We’re kind of inspired by the new generation,I guess,of music and metal.”
This inspiration has led to a diverse range of tracks,including something the band hasn’t attempted in over three decades. Billy teased, “we even went as far as writing — I don’t wanna say ‘ballad’, but it’s something really catchy that’s really slow that’s something we haven’t done in over 30 years.”
Lyrical Themes: A Mix of the Familiar and the New
Chuck Billy, the band’s vocalist, shared insights into the lyrical themes of the new album. While the band has frequently enough explored themes of science fiction and the supernatural, this record delves into more contemporary issues. Chuck explained, “[It’s] not as focused [on], like, the aliens, creating mankind and that kind of stuff, but there is some of that. There’s a lot. Each song definitely has its own identity lyrically.”
The album also tackles pressing global concerns, as Chuck noted: “We’re writing stuff that is real, that happens with the environment; we’re singing about that again. A.I., we’re singing stuff about that.”
What to Expect
With Jens Bogren’s production expertise, a revitalized creative process, and a mix of classic and modern themes, TESTAMENT’s upcoming album is shaping up to be a landmark release in their storied career. Fans can expect a blend of aggressive riffs, melodic elements, and thought-provoking lyrics that reflect both the band’s legacy and their evolution.
| Key Highlights of TESTAMENT’s New Album |
|———————————————|
| Producer: Jens Bogren |
| Recording Status: 90% complete |
| Release Timeline: Mixed by January 2024 |
| Themes: environment, A.I., sci-fi |
| New Element: First “ballad” in 30+ years|
Stay tuned for more updates as TESTAMENT prepares to unleash their latest masterpiece. For a deeper dive into the band’s creative process, check out their interviews with Brutal Planet magazine and Overdrive.ie.What are you most excited about in TESTAMENT’s new album? Share your thoughts in the comments below!TESTAMENT’s Chuck billy on New Music, real-World Lyrics, and Collaborating with Del James
In a recent interview, Chuck Billy, the iconic frontman of the legendary thrash metal band TESTAMENT, opened up about the band’s creative process, their upcoming tracks, and the inspiration behind their lyrics. Known for their heavy riffs and thought-provoking themes, TESTAMENT continues to push boundaries with their music, blending brutal intensity with melodic hooks.
Real-World inspiration for Lyrics
For Chuck Billy, writing songs is deeply rooted in the realities of the modern world.“There’s always an inspiration for songs. I think it’s a little easier. There’s so much going on in our world to write about now. It’s a crazy world today,so there’s a lot of stuff to talk about,” he shared.
Billy emphasized his preference for addressing real-life issues over fantasy themes. “I like singing about what’s real and what’s going on instead of some fantasy lyrics because, for me, I think when I sing ’em, I have more conviction, I believe in ’em a little more. And maybe it’s easier for me to remember the lyrics live,” he added with a laugh.
Upcoming Tracks: A Mix of Brutality and Melody
Billy revealed details about three new tracks that showcase TESTAMENT’s signature sound while exploring fresh territory.
- ‘Havana Syndrome’: This track delves into the mysterious phenomenon known as Havana Syndrome, which has sparked global intrigue.“People, look that up,” Billy urged, highlighting the song’s real-world relevance.
- ‘Infanticide A.I.’: A song that ventures into the realm of artificial intelligence, reflecting on its darker implications.
- ‘Meant To Be’: Described as a slower, groove-driven track, this song offers a soulful contrast to the band’s heavier material. “It’s like a classic TESTAMENT-type ballad, I guess, if you wanna use that word,” Billy explained.
Despite the diversity in themes and tempo,Billy assured fans that the new music stays true to the band’s identity. “It’s still classic TESTAMENT.If you listen to it, you’ll go, ‘That’s TESTAMENT, but a little more octane to it.’”
Collaborating with Del James
Billy also shed light on his long-standing collaboration with del James, a renowned lyricist who has worked extensively with GUNS N’ ROSES. “Del, he works with GUNS N’ ROSES. He’s been working with them and wrote with them a long time ago. I think he had big hits like ‘November Rain’ with them,” Billy noted.
the duo has been crafting TESTAMENT’s lyrics for over two decades. “I come up with a lot of the ideas and concepts, but he really interprets and gets the right words, how to say what I’m thinking. And we work fast.When we get together, we’ll knock out like two songs in a day,” Billy revealed.
TESTAMENT’s Evolution: Staying True to Their Roots
With a career spanning decades, TESTAMENT has consistently evolved while maintaining their core sound. Billy’s commitment to blending brutal lyrics with melodic hooks ensures that their music resonates with both longtime fans and new listeners.As the band prepares to release their new material,fans can expect a dynamic mix of intensity,melody,and thought-provoking themes.
Key Highlights of TESTAMENT’s New Music
| Track | Theme | Description |
|———————|——————————-|———————————————————————————|
| ‘Havana Syndrome’ | Real-world mystery | Explores the enigmatic Havana Syndrome phenomenon. |
| ‘Infanticide A.I.’ | Artificial intelligence | A dark take on the implications of AI. |
| ‘Meant To Be’ | Soulful ballad | A slower, groove-driven track with a classic TESTAMENT feel. |
Stay tuned for more updates on TESTAMENT’s upcoming releases and be sure to check out their latest tracks for a dose of their signature sound.
Watch the latest interview with Chuck Billy here.
