List of Testament members

Testament is an American thrash metal band from Berkeley, California. Formed in 1983, the group originally consisted of lead guitarist and vocalist Derrick Ramirez, rhythm guitarist Eric Peterson, bassist Greg Christian and drummer Mike Ronchette. The band's current lineup features Peterson, lead guitarist Alex Skolnick (from 1983 to 1992, and since 2005), vocalist Chuck Billy (since 1986), drummer Gene Hoglan (from 1996 to 1997, and since 2011), and bassist Steve Di Giorgio (from 1998 to 2005, and since 2014).

Testament in 2016 (top) and 2019 (bottom).

History

1983–1997

Testament was formed under the name Legacy in the summer of 1983 by cousins Derrick Ramirez and Eric Peterson, with the initial lineup completed by Greg Christian and Mike Ronchette.[1] When Ramirez left later in the year, he was replaced by vocalist Steve "Zetro" Souza and guitarist Alex Skolnick, the latter of whom was just 15 years old.[1][2] In 1985, the band recorded and released its self-titled debut demo.[3] Shortly after its release, Ronchette was replaced by Louie Clemente and Souza left Legacy to join Exodus.[4] He was replaced by Chuck Billy, whom Souza recommended to take his place.[5]

Also in 1986, the band was signed by Megaforce Records and subsequently changed its name to Testament, due to another band using the name Legacy.[1] The group's lineup remained stable until October 1992, when Skolnick left due to musical differences and was replaced by Glen Alvelais, formerly of Forbidden.[6][7] Clemente also left at the same time, with his place taken by Forbidden drummer Paul Bostaph.[8] By April the following year, Bostaph had been replaced by former Exodus drummer John Tempesta,[9] and by early 1994 Alvelais' lead guitarist role had been taken over by James Murphy.[10]

After recording the band's sixth studio album Low, Tempesta left Testament to join White Zombie, with Jon Dette taking his place.[11] The new drummer also left after a year, reportedly following a disagreement with vocalist Billy, subsequently joining Slayer.[12] He was replaced briefly by Chris Kontos, formerly of Machine Head, who recorded a cover version of Judas Priest's "Rapid Fire" for the tribute album A Tribute to Judas Priest: Legends of Metal, Vol. 1 before leaving again.[13] By 1996, only Billy and Peterson remained members of Testament, as Murphy, Christian and Kontos had all departed.[14]

1997–2011

In 1997, Testament returned with Demonic, which featured a lineup of vocalist Chuck Billy and guitarist Eric Peterson, alongside original frontman Derrick Ramirez on bass and Gene Hoglan on drums.[1][14] For the album's touring cycle, the band was rejoined by guitarist Glen Alvelais and drummer Jon Dette.[15] In 1998, the group recorded The Gathering with returning lead guitarist James Murphy, former Death bassist Steve Di Giorgio and former Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo.[16][17] For the album's promotional tour, Murphy and Lombardo were replaced by Steve Smyth and Steve Jacobs, respectively.[18][19]

Jon Allen took over from Jacobs in early 2000.[20] The following year, Billy, Peterson and Di Giorgio released First Strike Still Deadly, a collection of early songs re-recorded with former guitarist Alex Skolnick and drummer John Tempesta, as well as early vocalist Steve "Zetro" Souza on two tracks.[21] After several temporary breaks from the group due to family issues, Allen left Testament in February 2004 and was replaced by the returning Paul Bostaph.[22] Just two months later, Smyth also left to join Nevermore and was replaced by former Halford guitarist "Metal" Mike Chlasciak.[23][24]

In February 2005, it was announced that Billy and Peterson would be reuniting with Skolnick, bassist Greg Christian, and drummers Louie Clemente and John Tempesta for a European tour.[25][26] In summer 2006, Clemente was forced to leave the tour due to medical reasons, with Bostaph returning again to take his place as the sole drummer.[27] By the end of the year, Nicholas Barker had taken over on drums.[28] In October 2007, Bostaph returned to Testament for his fourth tenure in the group, who released their first album of new material in eight years, The Formation of Damnation, in 2008.[29]

Since 2011

In June 2011, Gene Hoglan returned to Testament in time for the recording of Dark Roots of Earth, which was released the next year.[30] In January 2014, Christian was replaced by Steve Di Giorgio.[31]

Members

Current

Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
Eric Peterson 1983–present
  • rhythm guitar
  • backing vocals
all Testament releases
Chuck Billy 1986–present lead vocals all Testament releases from The Legacy (1987) onwards
Alex Skolnick
  • 1983–1992
  • 2005–present
  • lead guitar
  • backing vocals
all Testament releases from the Legacy Demo (1985) to Return to the Apocalyptic City (1993) – features on two tracks only, and from First Strike Still Deadly (2001) onwards
Gene Hoglan
  • 1996–1997
  • 2011–present
drums
Steve Di Giorgio
  • 1998–2005
  • 2014–present
  • bass
  • backing vocals

Former

Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
Greg Christian
  • 1983–1996
  • 2005–2014
bass all Testament releases from the Legacy Demo (1985) to "Rapid Fire" (1997), and from Live in London (2005) to Dark Roots of Thrash (2013)
Mike Ronchette 1983–1986 drums Legacy Demo (1985)
Derrick Ramirez
  • 1983

  • 1996–1998
  • lead guitar, lead vocals (1983)
  • bass (1997–98)
Demonic (1997)
Steve "Zetro" Souza 1983–1986 lead vocals
Louie Clemente
  • 1986–1992
  • 2005–2006
drums
  • all Testament releases from The Legacy (1987) to Return to the Apocalyptic City (1993) – two tracks only
  • Live in London (2005)
Glen Alvelais
  • 1992–1994
  • 1997–1998
lead guitar
  • Return to the Apocalyptic City (1993)
  • Demonic (1997) – one track only
Paul Bostaph
  • 1992–1993
  • 2004–2005
  • 2006

  • 2007–2011
drums
  • Return to the Apocalyptic City (1993)
  • The Formation of Damnation (2008)
John Tempesta
  • 1993–1994
  • 2003 (touring)
  • 2005–2006
drums
  • Low (1994)
  • First Strike Still Deadly (2001)
  • Live in London (2005)
James Murphy
  • 1994–1996
  • 1998–1999
lead guitar
Jon Dette
  • 1994–1995
  • 1997–1998
drums Live at the Fillmore (1995)
Chris Kontos 1995–1996 "Rapid Fire" (1997)
Dave Lombardo 1998–1999 The Gathering (1999)
Steve Smyth
  • 1999–2004
  • 2004 (touring)
lead guitar none
Steve Jacobs 1999–2000 drums
Jon Allen 2000–2004
"Metal" Mike Chlasciak 2004–2005 lead guitar
Nicholas Barker 2006–2007 drums

Touring

Image Name Years active Instruments Notes
Asgeir Mickelson 2003 drums Mickelson substituted for Allen for a European tour, due to his ongoing "personal family issues".[32]
Glen Drover 2008 lead guitar Drover substituted for Skolnick on a Mexican tour in 2008, and for a North American tour in 2010.[33][34]
Mark Hernandez 2012 drums Hernandez filled in for Hoglan on a European tour in November and December 2012.[35]
Jack Gibson 2013 bass Gibson filled in for Christian on a North American tour in November 2013.[36]
Tilen Hudrap 2015 Hudrap and Bent replaced DiGiorgio and Hoglan respectively in 2015.[37]
Alex Bent drums

Timeline

Lineups

Period Members Releases
Summer – late 1983
(as Legacy)
  • Derrick Ramirez – lead guitar, lead vocals
  • Eric Peterson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Greg Christian – bass
  • Mike Ronchette – drums
none
Late 1983 – 1986
(as Legacy)
  • Steve Souza – lead vocals
  • Alex Skolnick – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Eric Peterson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Greg Christian – bass
  • Mike Ronchette – drums
  • Legacy Demo (1985)
1986 – October 1992
(as Legacy until 1987)
  • Chuck Billy – lead vocals
  • Alex Skolnick – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Eric Peterson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Greg Christian – bass
  • Louie Clemente – drums
November 1992 – April 1993
  • Chuck Billy – lead vocals
  • Glen Alvelais – lead guitar
  • Eric Peterson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Greg Christian – bass
  • Paul Bostaph – drums
April 1993 – early 1994
  • Chuck Billy – lead vocals
  • Glen Alvelais – lead guitar
  • Eric Peterson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Greg Christian – bass
  • John Tempesta – drums
none
Early – September 1994
  • Chuck Billy – lead vocals
  • James Murphy – lead guitar
  • Eric Peterson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Greg Christian – bass
  • John Tempesta – drums
September 1994 – 1995
  • Chuck Billy – lead vocals
  • James Murphy – lead guitar
  • Eric Peterson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Greg Christian – bass
  • Jon Dette – drums
1995–1996
  • Chuck Billy – lead vocals
  • James Murphy – lead guitar
  • Eric Peterson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Greg Christian – bass
  • Chris Kontos – drums
Late 1996 – early 1997
  • Chuck Billy – lead vocals
  • Eric Peterson – guitar, backing vocals
  • Derrick Ramirez – bass
  • Gene Hoglan – drums
Spring 1997 – spring 1998
  • Chuck Billy – lead vocals
  • Glen Alvelais – lead guitar
  • Eric Peterson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Derrick Ramirez – bass
  • Jon Dette – drums
none
Spring 1998 – summer 1999
  • Chuck Billy – lead vocals
  • James Murphy – lead guitar
  • Eric Peterson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Steve Di Giorgio – bass, backing vocals
  • Dave Lombardo – drums
Summer 1999 – early 2000
  • Chuck Billy – lead vocals
  • Steve Smyth – lead guitar
  • Eric Peterson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Steve Di Giorgio – bass, backing vocals
  • Steve Jacobs – drums
none
Early 2000 – February 2004
  • Chuck Billy – lead vocals
  • Steve Smyth – lead guitar
  • Eric Peterson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Steve Di Giorgio – bass, backing vocals
  • Jon Allen – drums
February – April 2004
  • Chuck Billy – lead vocals
  • Steve Smyth – lead guitar
  • Eric Peterson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Steve Di Giorgio – bass, backing vocals
  • Paul Bostaph – drums
none
April 2004 – March 2005
  • Chuck Billy – lead vocals
  • Mike Chlasciak – lead guitar
  • Eric Peterson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Steve Di Giorgio – bass, backing vocals
  • Paul Bostaph – drums
March 2005 – July 2006
  • Chuck Billy – lead vocals
  • Alex Skolnick – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Eric Peterson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Greg Christian – bass
  • John Tempesta – drums
  • Louie Clemente – drums
July – late 2006
  • Chuck Billy – lead vocals
  • Alex Skolnick – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Eric Peterson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Greg Christian – bass
  • Paul Bostaph – drums
none
Late 2006 – October 2007
  • Chuck Billy – lead vocals
  • Alex Skolnick – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Eric Peterson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Greg Christian – bass
  • Nicholas Barker – drums
October 2007 – June 2011
  • Chuck Billy – lead vocals
  • Alex Skolnick – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Eric Peterson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Greg Christian – bass
  • Paul Bostaph – drums
June 2011 – January 2014
  • Chuck Billy – lead vocals
  • Alex Skolnick – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Eric Peterson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Greg Christian – bass
  • Gene Hoglan – drums
January 2014 – present
  • Chuck Billy – lead vocals
  • Alex Skolnick – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Eric Peterson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Steve Di Giorgio – bass, backing vocals
  • Gene Hoglan – drums

References

  1. Dome, Malcolm (April 21, 2014). "The Knowledge: Testament". Metal Hammer. Retrieved October 31, 2017.
  2. Ozdiyar, Yunus Emre (February 12, 2020). "Testament guitarist Skolnick on Billie Eilish: "She's singing for real"". Chaospin. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  3. Doe, Bernard (1986). "Legacy – Demo: 1 (1985)". Metal Forces. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  4. Doe, Bernard (1987). "Testament – The Will To Survive". Metal Forces. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  5. "Steve Souza Explains Why He Left Testament to Join Exodus, Names Favorite Iron Maiden Song". Ultimate Guitar. June 26, 2020. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  6. "TPRS Classic Interview: Alex Skolnick of Testament". The Pure Rock Shop. Retrieved October 31, 2017.
  7. Fabricus, Jodie (September 25, 1992). "Metal Filings" (PDF). The Hard Report. No. 295. Medford, New Jersey: Hard Report, Inc. p. 54. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  8. "More Hard Rock/Heavy Metal" (PDF). The Hard Report. No. 319. Medford, New Jersey: Hard Report, Inc. April 2, 1993. p. 48. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  9. Cooper, Mike (April 23, 1993). "Music Now!" (PDF). The Hard Report. No. 322. Medford, New Jersey: Hard Report, Inc. p. 56. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  10. Fabricus, Jodie (February 4, 1994). "Metal Filings" (PDF). The Hard Report. No. 360. Medford, New Jersey: Hard Report, Inc. p. 38. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  11. Fabricus, Jodie (September 2, 1994). "Metal Filings" (PDF). The Hard Report. No. 390. Medford, New Jersey: Hard Report, Inc. p. 42. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  12. Snow, Drew (December 8, 1997). "Thrash Up Yo Ass, Muthafucka: CoC chats with Testament". Chronicles of Chaos. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  13. Smart, Noel (November 2010). "Interview With Chris Kontos – Ex: Machine Head / Testament". Sick Drummer. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  14. Begrand, Adrien (May 21, 2008). "New Testament Versus Old". PopMatters. Retrieved October 31, 2017.
  15. Syrjala, Marko (December 17, 2013). "Interview with Jon Dette – Iced Earth, Animetal USA, ex- Testament, Anthrax, Slayer etc". Metal-Rules.com. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  16. "James Murphy". Metal-Rules.com. June 27, 1998. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  17. O'Neill, Eamonn (April 2018). "Testament Steve Di Giorgio eonmusic Interview April 2018". eonmusic.co.uk. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  18. Malusardi, Guglielmo (November 2008). "Interview: Steve Smyth". Guitar Nine. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  19. "Testament". Testament. Archived from the original on February 29, 2000. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  20. "Testament". Testament. Archived from the original on April 8, 2000. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
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  22. "Former Slayer Drummer Paul Bostaph Joins Testament". Blabbermouth.net. February 15, 2004. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  23. "Testament Confirm Guitarist Steve Smyth's Departure". Blabbermouth.net. April 20, 2004. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  24. "It's Official: 'Metal Mike' Chlasciak Is The New Testament Guitarist". Blabbermouth.net. April 27, 2004. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
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  26. "Testament Frontman Comments On 'Reunion' Tour". Blabbermouth.net. March 30, 2005. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  27. "Original Testament Drummer To Be Replaced On Upcoming Tour Due To "Medical Reasons"". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. July 5, 2006. Retrieved October 31, 2017.
  28. "Producer Andy Sneap: Megadeth's Mustaine 'Proved To Be A Very Cool Guy To Work With'". Blabbermouth.net. December 25, 2006. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
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  30. "Testament Recording New Album With Drummer Gene Hoglan". Blabbermouth.net. June 20, 2011. Retrieved October 31, 2017.
  31. "Testament Parts Ways With Bassist Greg Christian, Announces Return Of Steve DiGiorgio". Blabbermouth.net. January 13, 2014. Retrieved October 31, 2017.
  32. "Borknagar Drummer To Join Testament". Blabbermouth.net. March 1, 2003. Retrieved October 31, 2017.
  33. "Testament Recruits Ex-Megadeth Guitarist Glen Drover For Upcoming Mexico Tour Dates". Blabbermouth.net. October 22, 2008. Retrieved October 31, 2017.
  34. "Ex-Megadeth Guitarist Glen Drover To Fill In For Alex Skolnick On Testament Tour". Blabbermouth.net. October 22, 2008. Retrieved October 31, 2017.
  35. "Testament Taps Ex-Forbidden Drummer For European Shows". Blabbermouth.net. October 24, 2012. Retrieved October 31, 2017.
  36. "Testament Bassist Leaves Tour, Exodus' Jack Gibson Steps In". Blabbermouth.net. November 19, 2013. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
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