View source for Testament (band)

{{Short description|American thrash metal band}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name              = Testament
| image             = 2017 Testament - by 2eight - 8SC1105.jpg
| caption           = Testament performing in 2017
| landscape         = yes
| alias             = Legacy (1983–1986)
| genre             = [[Thrash metal]]<!-- only primary genres -->
| origin            = [[Berkeley, California]], U.S.
| discography       = [[Testament discography]]
| years_active      = 1983–present
| label             = {{flatlist|
* [[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]]
* [[Megaforce Records|Megaforce]]
* [[Spitfire Records|Spitfire]]
* Burnt Offerings Inc.
* [[Nuclear Blast]]}}
| spinoffs          = {{flatlist|
* [[Dragonlord (band)|Dragonlord]]
* [[Dublin Death Patrol]]
* [[Hatriot (band)|Hatriot]]
* [[Metal Allegiance]]<!--- Although Metal Allegiance technically includes one official member from Testament (Alex Skolnick), Chuck Billy provided vocals on their debut album and occasionally jams with the band. --->
}}
| website           = [http://www.testamentlegions.com testamentlegions.com]
| module            = {{Infobox
| child             = yes
| title             = '''Logo'''
| headerstyle       = background:#b0c4de
| data2             = [[File:Testament logo.svg|200px]]
}}
| current_members   = {{ubl <!--Do not change. Members are listed in order supported by Wikipedia guidelines.-->
 |Eric Peterson
 |[[Chuck Billy]]
 |[[Alex Skolnick]]
 |[[Steve Di Giorgio]]
 |Chris Dovas
 }}
| past_members      = <!--Do not change order of members, as they are listed in order of joining the band, as requested by Wikipedia guidelines. See page entitled "Template:Musical Artist" for details.-->
{{Collapsible list
  |framestyle=border:none; padding:0; <!--Hides borders and improves row spacing-->
  |title=&nbsp;
  |[[Greg Christian]]
  |Derrick Ramirez
  |Mike Ronchette
  |[[Louie Clemente]]
  |[[Steve Souza|Steve "Zetro" Souza]]
  |[[Glen Alvelais]]
  |[[Paul Bostaph]]
  |[[James Murphy (guitarist)|James Murphy]]
  |[[John Tempesta]]
  |[[Jon Dette]] 	
  |[[Chris Kontos (drummer)|Chris Kontos]]
  |Jon Allen
  |[[Steve Smyth]]
  |[[Mike Chlasciak]]
  |[[Nick Barker (drummer)|Nick Barker]]
  |[[Gene Hoglan]]
  |[[Dave Lombardo]]
  }}
}}

'''Testament''' is an American [[thrash metal]] band from [[Berkeley, California]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://decibelmagazine.com/Content.aspx?ncid=103433 |title=Decibel Magazine: Testament – The Legacy |publisher=[[Decibel magazine]] |date=2010-03-07 |access-date=2009-03-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100921093123/http://decibelmagazine.com/Content.aspx?ncid=103433 |archive-date=September 21, 2010 }}</ref> Formed in 1983 under the name '''Legacy''', the band's current lineup includes rhythm guitarist Eric Peterson, lead vocalist [[Chuck Billy]], lead guitarist [[Alex Skolnick]], bassist [[Steve Di Giorgio]] and drummer Chris Dovas. Testament has experienced many lineup changes over the years, with Peterson being the only remaining original member, though they have since reunited with Skolnick, who left the band from 1992 but rejoined in 2005. Billy has been a member of Testament since 1986, when he replaced original frontman [[Steve Souza|Steve "Zetro" Souza]], who had left to replace [[Paul Baloff]] in [[Exodus (band)|Exodus]]. Peterson and Billy are the only members to appear on all of Testament's studio albums. The band has released thirteen studio albums (one of which is a collection of re-recorded songs), four live albums, five compilation albums, thirteen singles and three DVDs. They are estimated to have sold over 1.4 million albums in the United States since the beginning of the [[Luminate (company)|SoundScan]] era,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1084475/testament-digs-in-with-dark-roots-of-earth |title=Testament Digs In With "Dark Roots Of Earth" |date=July 30, 2012 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=2017-03-02}}</ref><ref name="dfwundercover">{{Cite web|url=http://www.dfwundercover.com/review/testament-sepultura-prong-gas-monky-live/|title=Testament Sepultura Prong – Gas Monky Live – DFW Undercover|website=dfwundercover.com|access-date=November 17, 2017|archive-date=June 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628195614/http://www.dfwundercover.com/review/testament-sepultura-prong-gas-monky-live/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and over 14 million copies worldwide as of 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Edward Layland|date=February 5, 2024|title=Album Review: Testament - Brotherhood of the Snake|url=https://alreadyheard.com/album-review-testament-brotherhood-of-the-snake/|access-date=February 8, 2024|website=alreadyheard.com}}</ref>

Testament is often credited as one of the most popular and influential bands of the thrash metal scene,<ref name="allmusic.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/testament-p5622/biography |title=Testament Biography|publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=2011-02-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.tartareandesire.com/bands/Testament/1582/ |title=Tartarean Desire – Testament – Thrash metal band from USA |website=Tartareandesire.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805055826/http://www.tartareandesire.com/bands/Testament/1582/ |archive-date=August 5, 2017 |url-status=usurped |access-date=2011-02-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Testament-Biography/69DD5543E937872448256CAE0027F7DD |title=Testament Biography |website=Sing365.com |access-date=2011-02-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513234727/http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Testament-Biography/69DD5543E937872448256CAE0027F7DD |archive-date=2011-05-13 }}</ref> as well as one of the leaders of the second wave of the genre of the late 1980s,<ref name="metalblade.com">{{Cite web |url=http://www.metalblade.com/us/news/sacred-reich-announces-usa-tour-with-byzantine/|title=Sacred Reich announces "30 Years of Ignorance" USA tour with Byzantine as support|website=[[Metal Blade Records|metalblade.com]]|date=May 1, 2017|access-date=November 17, 2017}}</ref><ref name="tonedeaf">{{Cite web |url=https://tonedeaf.thebrag.com/download-festival-sideshows-2020/|title=Your guide to the best Download Festival sideshows coming in 2020|website=tonedeaf.thebrag.com|date=December 17, 2019|access-date=December 31, 2019}}</ref> and they are considered a significant member of the so-called "Big Six of [[Bay Area thrash metal]]", alongside [[Exodus (band)|Exodus]], [[Death Angel]], [[Lȧȧz Rockit]], [[Forbidden (band)|Forbidden]] and [[Vio-lence]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://metaladdicts.com/is-a-big-6-of-bay-area-thrash-metal-tour-in-the-works-never-say-never-says-vio-lence-guitarist/|title=Is A 'Big 6 Of Bay Area Thrash Metal' Tour In The Works? 'Never Say Never', Says VIO-LENCE Guitarist|website=Metaladdicts.com|date=September 5, 2019|access-date=July 16, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/community_feed/the_big_6_of_bay_area_thrash_metal_tour_or_show_might_happen_one_day.html|title='The Big 6 Of Bay Area Thrash Metal' Tour or Show Might Happen One Day|website=Ultimate-guitar.com|access-date=July 16, 2021}}</ref> By the time they changed their name from Legacy to Testament in 1986, the band had assumed a stable lineup that included Billy, Peterson, Skolnick, and two other founding members, bassist [[Greg Christian]] and drummer [[Louie Clemente]]; it is often referred to as the "classic lineup" of Testament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-knowledge-testament|title=The Knowledge: Testament|website=[[Metal Hammer|loudersound.com]]|access-date=September 5, 2024|date=April 20, 2014}}</ref> While the band was initially signed to [[Megaforce Records|Megaforce]], they were one of the early thrash metal bands to sign to a major label, [[Atlantic Records]], through which the band's first six studio albums were released. Their first three studio albums, ''[[The Legacy (album)|The Legacy]]'' (1987), ''[[The New Order (album)|The New Order]]'' (1988) and ''[[Practice What You Preach]]'' (1989), cemented Testament's reputation as one of the most successful thrash metal bands, with the latter becoming their first to enter the Top 100 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart.<ref name="Billboard.com">{{cite web|title=Testament – Chart history|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/testament/chart-history/tlp/|publisher=Billboard.com|access-date=November 7, 2016}}</ref>

The band's next three albums – ''[[Souls of Black]]'' (1990), ''[[The Ritual (Testament album)|The Ritual]]'' (1992) and ''[[Low (Testament album)|Low]]'' (1994) – saw similar success, with the first two charting highly on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart, while ''The Ritual'' was supported by Testament's only charting US hit "Return to Serenity".{{r|Billboard.com}} Clemente and Skolnick had both left Testament by the end of 1992, and within the next decade, the band had endured many personnel changes that included guitarists [[Glen Alvelais]], [[James Murphy (guitarist)|James Murphy]], [[Steve Smyth]] and [[Mike Chlasciak|"Metal" Mike Chlasciak]], bassists Derrick Ramirez (who was originally in Legacy as a guitarist) and Di Giorgio, and drummers [[Paul Bostaph]], [[John Tempesta]], [[Jon Dette]], [[Chris Kontos (drummer)|Chris Kontos]], [[Gene Hoglan]], [[Dave Lombardo]], Steve Jacobs and Jon Allen. In 2001, at around the same time Billy was diagnosed with [[germ cell]] [[seminoma]], Testament reunited with Souza, Skolnick and Tempesta for the album of re-recorded material ''[[First Strike Still Deadly]]''. Following Billy's recovery from cancer in 2002, Testament resumed activity, and their "classic lineup" briefly reunited in 2005, resulting in the live album ''[[Live in London (Testament album)|Live in London]]''; however, Skolnick and Christian would rejoin the band permanently, the latter remaining until 2014. Testament's popularity was revived with the albums ''[[The Formation of Damnation]]'' (2008), ''[[Dark Roots of Earth]]'' (2012), ''[[Brotherhood of the Snake]]'' (2016) and ''[[Titans of Creation]]'' (2020), all entering the Top 100 on the ''Billboard'' 200,{{r|Billboard.com}} and they have continued to tour consistently.{{r|dfwundercover}} The band's upcoming fourteenth studio album is expected to be released in the fall of 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/testaments-new-album-to-be-mastered-this-week-fall-2025-release-expected|title=TESTAMENT's New Album To Be Mastered This Week; Fall 2025 Release Expected|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=June 18, 2025|date=June 18, 2025}}</ref>

==History==
===Early years and first two albums (1983–1989)===
The band was formed in the [[San Francisco Bay Area]] in 1983 under the name Legacy by guitarist Eric Peterson and his cousin, guitarist Derrick Ramirez. They eventually hired drummer [[Louie Clemente]], vocalist [[Steve Souza|Steve "Zetro" Souza]] and bassist [[Greg Christian]], and began playing shows with bands such as [[Exodus (band)|Exodus]], [[Slayer]], [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]], [[Lȧȧz Rockit]] and [[Death Angel]], among others.{{cn|date=October 2024}} Clemente left the band in 1985 and was replaced by drummer Mike Ronchette. Ramirez departed soon after and then-teenage guitarist [[Alex Skolnick]], who had studied under Bay Area guitarist [[Joe Satriani]], was brought into the band. Legacy had been writing original material since forming and released a self-titled, four-song demo in 1985. Souza left the band in the following year to replace [[Paul Baloff]] in [[Exodus (band)|Exodus]] and was replaced by [[Chuck Billy]] at Souza's suggestion. Ronchette had also left the band, and Clemente rejoined.{{cn|date=October 2024}}

Legacy was signed to [[Megaforce Records]] in 1986 on the strength of their demo tape. While recording their first album, the band was forced to change their name to Testament (which, according to Maria Ferrero in the May 2007 issue of ''[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]]'', was suggested by [[Billy Milano]] of [[Stormtroopers of Death|S.O.D.]] and [[M.O.D.]]), as there were already multiple other bands with the name Legacy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Doe |first=Bernard |date= |title=TESTAMENT – The Will To Survive (MF23, 1987) |url=https://www.metalforcesmagazine.com/site/feature-testament-mf23/ |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=Metal Forces Magazine}}</ref> Legacy played their last show prior to this name change at [[Keystone (Berkeley, California)|the Stone]] in San Francisco on March 4, 1987.<ref name="metallipromo">{{cite web|title=The Legacy / Testament|url=https://metallipromo.com/testament.html|work=Metallipromo.com|access-date=April 18, 2015}}</ref>

Testament's debut album, ''[[The Legacy (album)|The Legacy]]'', was released in April 1987 on Megaforce Records, and also distributed by [[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]]. They received instant fame within thrash circles and were often compared{{bywhom|date=October 2024}} with fellow Bay Area thrash metal pioneers [[Metallica]]. Thanks to this, and the regular rotation of their first-ever music video "Over the Wall" on [[MTV]]'s ''[[Headbangers Ball]]'',<ref name="hbb">{{cite web|title=Headbangers Ball- The Unofficial Tribute Site - Episode Database|url=https://www.headbangersballunofficialtributesite.com/episode-database|work=headbangersballunofficialtributesite.com|access-date=March 21, 2021|archive-date=May 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170529021919/https://www.headbangersballunofficialtributesite.com/episode-database|url-status=dead}}</ref> the band quickly managed to increase their exposure by heading out on successful North American and European tours with Anthrax, who were supporting their ''[[Among the Living]]'' album. On this tour, the ''[[Live at Eindhoven]]'' EP was recorded. Testament also opened for Megadeth and Slayer, as well as their then-labelmates [[Overkill (band)|Overkill]].{{r|metallipromo}}

[[File:Testament 1988.jpg|thumb|The 1986–1992 lineup of Testament is known as the "classic lineup" of the band. Pictured from left to right are Eric Peterson, [[Greg Christian]], [[Chuck Billy]], [[Alex Skolnick]] and [[Louie Clemente]].]]
Testament's second album, ''[[The New Order (album)|The New Order]]'', was released in May 1988, and it found the band continuing in a similar vein. The album was a minor success, peaking at number 136 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]],{{r|Billboard.com}} but managed to sell over 250,000 copies on the strength of the airplay of "Trial by Fire" and the cover version of [[Aerosmith]]'s "[[Nobody's Fault (Aerosmith song)|Nobody's Fault]]" (through radio and television), as well as relentless touring schedules.{{r|hbb}}<ref name="knac">{{Cite web|url=http://people.delphi.com/dkasper13/knac/knaca2z.html|title=KNAC A to Z Listing|date=March 5, 2000|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000305154225/http://people.delphi.com/dkasper13/knac/knaca2z.html|access-date=July 16, 2021|archive-date=March 5, 2000}}</ref><ref name="famousinterview">{{cite web|title=Testament Interview|url=http://www.famousinterview.ca/interviews/testament.htm|publisher=Famousinterview.ca|access-date=November 7, 2016}}</ref> In promotion of ''The New Order'', Testament supported Megadeth on their ''[[So Far, So Good... So What!]]'' [[So Far, So Good... So What! Tour|tour]] in Europe, and toured North America with the likes of Overkill, [[Voivod (band)|Voivod]], Death Angel, [[Vio-lence]], [[Nuclear Assault]], [[Sanctuary (band)|Sanctuary]], [[Raven (British band)|Raven]], [[Forbidden (band)|Forbidden]] and [[Heathen (band)|Heathen]].{{r|metallipromo}} They also made a number of festival appearances during the summer of 1988, such as Metalfest in [[Milwaukee]], Aardschokdag in The Netherlands, and replaced Megadeth on some dates of the European [[Monsters of Rock]] tour, also featuring [[Iron Maiden]], [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]], [[David Lee Roth]], [[Great White]] and Anthrax.<ref>{{cite web|title=Monsters Of Rock Concerts|url=https://www.themonstersofrock.com/concerts|publisher=themonstersofrock.com|access-date=July 22, 2018}}</ref> By the time ''The New Order'' tour ended in early 1989, Testament had not only cemented their reputation as one of the most-acclaimed thrash metal acts, but had also begun to headline their own tours.{{r|metallipromo}}

===Commercial breakthrough (1989–1992)===
Testament released their third studio album, ''[[Practice What You Preach]]'', in August 1989. The album minimized the occult and gothic themes found in the lyrical content of their first two albums, instead focusing on social issues such as politics and corruption, and while staying true to its thrash metal roots, it saw also the band draw influences from a variety of musical genres such as [[heavy metal music|traditional heavy metal]], [[jazz fusion]] and [[progressive metal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metalreviews.com/reviews/album/4373|title=Testament - Practice What You Preach|publisher=metalreviews.com|access-date=March 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nolifetilmetal.com/testament.htm|title=CD Gallery - Testament - No Life Til Metal|publisher=nolifetilmetal.com|access-date=August 29, 2021}}</ref> ''Practice What You Preach'' was a commercial breakthrough for Testament, reaching at number 77 on the ''Billboard'' 200,{{r|Billboard.com}} and it was accompanied by three singles – [[Practice What You Preach (Testament song)|the title track]], "The Ballad" and "Greenhouse Effect" – that received significant airplay from [[album-oriented rock|AOR]] radio stations and MTV's ''Headbangers Ball'', further helping raise the band's profile.{{r|hbb}}{{r|knac}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=70452 |title=Sunday Old School: Testament |publisher=Metalunderground.com |date=July 31, 2011 |access-date=April 18, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rocklists.com/alltime52.html|title=Z-Rock Top 1001 Songs of All-Time (1990)|website=rocklists.com|access-date=June 15, 2021}}</ref> Testament toured for nearly a year behind ''Practice What You Preach'', performing with numerous bands such as [[Overkill (band)|Overkill]], [[Annihilator (band)|Annihilator]], [[Wrathchild America]], [[Mortal Sin (band)|Mortal Sin]], [[Xentrix]], [[Nuclear Assault]], [[Savatage]], [[Flotsam and Jetsam (band)|Flotsam and Jetsam]], [[Mordred (band)|Mordred]], [[Dark Angel (band)|Dark Angel]] and a then-lesser known [[Primus (band)|Primus]].{{r|metallipromo}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Overkill Tour Dates|url=http://www.metallipromo.com/ov.html|publisher=metallipromo.com|access-date=July 22, 2018}}</ref> Despite selling more than 450,000 copies,{{r|famousinterview}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1992/06/18/thrashing-around-at-no-4/|title=Thrashing Around At No. 4|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=June 18, 1992|access-date=July 6, 2018}}</ref> the album has never been [[Music recording certification|certified gold]] by the [[RIAA certification|RIAA]].

In October 1990, Testament released their fourth studio album ''[[Souls of Black]]''. Although reviews were mixed, the album managed to sell respectably, in no doubt largely off the strength of the single title track, and saw the band perform on arena tours, including the European [[Clash of the Titans (tour)|Clash of the Titans]] tour with Megadeth, Slayer and [[Suicidal Tendencies]].{{r|metallipromo}} Testament supported ''Souls of Black'' with two North American tours, opening for [[Judas Priest]] on their ''[[Painkiller (Judas Priest album)|Painkiller]]'' [[Painkiller Tour|tour]] from October to December 1990,{{r|metallipromo}} and Slayer on their ''[[Seasons in the Abyss]]'' tour from January to March 1991.<ref name="1991 tour dates">{{cite web|url=http://www.chmetal.info/tourdates/Testament_1991.htm|title=Testament Tour Dates|publisher=chmetal.info|access-date=July 2, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chmetal.info/tourdates/Slayer_1991.htm|title=Slayer Tour Dates|publisher=chmetal.info|access-date=July 2, 2017}}</ref> They also toured Japan, and played shows with Anthrax and [[Sepultura]].{{r|1991 tour dates}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Sepultura|url=http://metallipromo.com/sep.html|work=Metallipromo.com|access-date=August 9, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Testament Concert Setlist at Cow Palace, Daly City on May 26, 1991|url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/testament/1991/cow-palace-daly-city-ca-3bca7ce8.html|work=setlist.fm|access-date=August 9, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Anthrax Concert Setlist at Cow Palace, Daly City on May 26, 1991|url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/anthrax/1991/cow-palace-daly-city-ca-bdad5de.html|work=setlist.fm|access-date=August 9, 2018}}</ref> Shortly after the ''Souls of Black'' tour's completion, the band released their first VHS documentary ''[[Seen Between the Lines]]'', containing live clips recorded during the ''Souls of Black'' world tour, four promotional music videos and video interview segments.

Attempting to reconnect with an audience distracted by the then-emerging [[grunge]] movement, Testament released ''[[The Ritual (Testament album)|The Ritual]]'' in May 1992. Recorded at [[17 Hertz Studio|One on One Recording]] in [[Los Angeles]] under producer [[Tony Platt]], it saw a stylistic move away from thrash to a slower, slightly more traditional heavy metal sound,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metalupdate.com/interviewbilly.html |title=Features |website=Metalupdate.com |access-date=2017-03-02}}</ref> and a somewhat more progressive atmosphere, with the title track being the longest song Testament had recorded up to this point.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metalnerdblog.com/2011/10/16/testament-the-ritual-review/|title=Testament – The Ritual Review – Metal-Nerd Blog|date=October 16, 2011|publisher=metalnerdblog.com|access-date=March 21, 2021}}</ref> Drummer [[Louie Clemente]] acknowledged this musical change in a 1992 interview with ''[[Deseret News]]'', explaining, "''The Ritual'' is slower and geared toward the old style of metal while ''The Legacy'' was pure thrash. In fact, every release has been different. We've progressed naturally." Clemente said in the same interview that Platt's involvement within the album helped Testament "get more of a vibe."<ref>{{cite web|title=TESTAMENT SLOWS DOWN, LOOSENS UP - AND HAS FUN|url=https://www.deseret.com/1992/11/2/19013886/testament-slows-down-loosens-up-and-has-fun|magazine=[[Deseret News]]|date=November 2, 1992|access-date=July 19, 2021}}</ref> ''The Ritual'' peaked at number 55 on the ''Billboard'' 200, the band's highest chart position at the time, and the power ballad "Return to Serenity" managed to receive radio airplay, peaking at number 22 on the [[Mainstream Rock (chart)|Mainstream Rock]] chart, and it is their only single to peak at any ''Billboard'' charts.{{r|Billboard.com}} Despite selling more than 485,000 copies in the United States,<ref>{{cite web|title=TESTAMENT Frontman: 'The Timing Is Right For This Band Again'|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-frontman-the-timing-is-right-for-this-band-again/|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=June 27, 2007|access-date=July 6, 2018}}</ref> the album has never received a gold certification. In support of ''The Ritual'', Testament toured Europe and North America, headlining their own tours, as well as supporting [[Iron Maiden]] on their ''[[Fear of the Dark (Iron Maiden album)|Fear of the Dark]]'' [[Fear of the Dark Tour|tour]],<ref>{{cite web|title=The Iron Maiden Commentary – Tours – Fear Of The Dark Tour 1992 – Dates and Venues|url=http://www.ironmaidencommentary.com/?url=tour09_fotd/dates09_fotd&lang=eng&link=tours|work=Ironmaidencommentary.com|access-date=December 2, 2017}}</ref> and [[Black Sabbath]] on their ''[[Dehumanizer]]'' tour.<ref>{{cite web|title=1992 Tour – Black Sabbath Online|url=http://www.black-sabbath.com/tourdates/1992tour/|work=Black-Sabbath.com|access-date=December 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701011541/http://www.black-sabbath.com/tourdates/1992tour/|archive-date=July 1, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, the success of the album did not put an end to the tensions within the band.

===Transitional period (1992–2004)===
{{multiple image
| image1 = Testament – Elbriot 2016 34.jpg
| alt1 = Guitarist Eric Peterson
| width1 = 145
| image2 = 2017 Testament - Chuck Billy - by 2eight - DSC9329.jpg
| alt2 = Vocalist Chuck Billy
| width2 = 139
| footer = Founding member and guitarist Eric Peterson (pictured left) and vocalist [[Chuck Billy]], who joined Testament in 1986, are the only members to appear on all of the band's studio albums.
| align = right
| total_width = 300
| footer_align = left
}}
For the remainder of the 1990s, Testament had undergone a series of changes in its lineup, as well as a change of pace in its musical style. The first member of the "classic" lineup to leave the band was lead guitarist [[Alex Skolnick]], who performed his last show with them on Halloween 1992.{{cn|date=November 2024}} Skolnick has stated that one of the reasons he left Testament was because he wanted to expand his musical horizons rather than continuing to play thrash metal music.<ref>{{cite web|title=Alex Skolnick: Interview with Metal Rules!! |url=https://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/alex.htm |work=Metal Rules |access-date=June 1, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tprs.com/interviews/interview-alex-skolnick-of-testament/ |title=TPRS Classic Interview: Alex Skolnick of Testament |publisher=Tprs.com|access-date=June 1, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Fabricus |first=Jodie |title=Metal Filings |magazine=The Hard Report |issue=295 |publication-date=September 25, 1992 |location=Medford, New Jersey |publisher=Hard Report, Inc. |page=54 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Hard-Report/1992/Hard-1992-09-25.pdf |access-date=June 1, 2021}}</ref> Not long after, drummer [[Louie Clemente]] left the band.

Skolnick and Clemente were temporarily replaced by former [[Forbidden (band)|Forbidden]] members [[Glen Alvelais]] and [[Paul Bostaph]] (who had recently joined Slayer), respectively. This lineup recorded the live EP, ''[[Return to the Apocalyptic City]]'', released in 1993. Soon after, Alvelais quit the band and Bostaph departed to focus on Slayer. Their next album, ''[[Low (Testament album)|Low]]'' (1994), featured drummer [[John Tempesta]] (formerly of Exodus) and guitarist [[James Murphy (metal guitarist)|James Murphy]] (formerly of [[Death (metal band)|Death]], [[Cancer (band)|Cancer]] and [[Obituary (band)|Obituary]]). ''Low'' was a diverse album, featuring various influences such as [[alternative metal|alternative]], [[death metal]], [[progressive rock|progressive]] and [[groove metal]], as well as a ballad, "Trail of Tears".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Köfler|first=Marko|date=March 10, 2019|title=Review: Testament ''Low'' [Atlantic Records]|url=https://antichristmagazine.com/review-testament-low-atlantic-records/|access-date=May 5, 2024|website=antichristmagazine.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=April 30, 2024|title=WIN BIG ON-AIR: Testament & Kreator from 5/3 to 6/2|url=https://wdhafm.com/event/testament-kreator-wt-101024/|access-date=May 5, 2024|website=[[WDHA-FM|wdhafm.com]]}}</ref> The band's remaining fans reacted favorably to the album, although it did little to expand Testament's fanbase. Some fans, however, viewed this move away from the mainstream as a liberation that allowed them to expand artistically, not being pressured by sales and success as they once were. Despite the fact that the album charted lower than the band's previous three albums on the ''Billboard'' 200 at number 122,{{r|Billboard.com}} its title track "Low" received decent airplay from ''Headbangers Ball'' on MTV and the [[Long Beach, California|Long Beach]]-based radio station [[KBUE#KNAC|KNAC]],{{r|hbb}}{{r|knac}} just before both outlets went off the air in early 1995. Testament toured for over a year in support of ''Low'', playing with numerous acts such as [[Machine Head (band)|Machine Head]], [[downset.]], [[Korn]], [[Forbidden (band)|Forbidden]], [[Kreator]], [[At the Gates]], [[Moonspell]], [[Crowbar (American band)|Crowbar]], [[Suffocation (band)|Suffocation]] and [[Gorefest]]. Their first full-length live album ''[[Live at the Fillmore (Testament album)|Live at the Fillmore]]'', released in the summer of 1995, was recorded during this tour and marked their first release since they ended their eight-and-a-half-year tenure with [[Atlantic Records]].

Tempesta left Testament shortly before the release of ''Low'' to join [[White Zombie (band)|White Zombie]], being replaced by [[Jon Dette]] for the following tour, though the latter would leave the band in 1995. Dette's replacement was former [[Machine Head (band)|Machine Head]] drummer [[Chris Kontos (drummer)|Chris Kontos]]. This lineup was featured on the band's cover version of [[Judas Priest]]'s "Rapid Fire". After their 1996 club tour, Christian, Murphy, and Kontos all departed the band. During the time Kontos was in Testament, he suggested the band drop the name altogether and call the band Dog Faced Gods. This idea was turned down by Billy and Peterson who both wanted to continue with the Testament name. The two later temporarily disbanded Testament.

The band's sixth studio album, ''[[Demonic (album)|Demonic]]'' (1997), took a new approach, and found Testament experimenting with death metal more. The album featured Eric Peterson on both lead and rhythm guitar (although Alvelais made a guest appearance, and played on the subsequent tour), early member Derrick Ramirez on bass guitar, and [[Dark Angel (band)|Dark Angel]] and former Death drummer [[Gene Hoglan]]. Hoglan left before the ''Demonic'' tour to join [[Strapping Young Lad]], with Steve Jacobs doing the South American leg of the tour and Jon Dette returning later. Hoglan's loyalty to Strapping Young Lad and his desire to not remain a member of Testament actually came to realization during a published interview the band conducted with ''[[Metal Maniacs]]'' magazine.

By 1998, Ramirez, Alvelais and Dette had all departed and James Murphy had returned for the band's eighth studio album ''[[The Gathering (Testament album)|The Gathering]]'', released in June 1999. The rhythm section on ''The Gathering'' was highly respected, consisting of metal fretless bassist [[Steve Di Giorgio]] (formerly of Death and [[Sadus]]) and original Slayer drummer [[Dave Lombardo]]. The sound of the album was largely a combination of death metal and thrash metal, with a minor [[black metal]] influence from Eric Peterson's [[side project]], [[Dragonlord (band)|Dragonlord]].

Soon after the release of ''The Gathering'', Murphy was diagnosed with a [[brain tumor]]. Through various fundraisers, Murphy was able to afford surgery and eventually made a full recovery, but was unable to recall anything from the recording of ''The Gathering''. In 2001, Billy was also diagnosed with [[Seminoma|germ cell seminoma]], a rare form of testicular cancer, but it only affected Billy's lungs and heart. His cancer was also treated successfully. In August 2001, friends of Billy organized the [[Thrash of the Titans]] benefit concert, featuring seminal [[Bay Area thrash metal]] bands [[Vio-lence]], [[Death Angel]], [[Exodus (band)|Exodus]], [[Forbidden (band)|Forbidden]], Sadus and [[Heathen (band)|Heathen]], as well as [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]], [[Stormtroopers of Death|S.O.D.]] and [[Flotsam and Jetsam (band)|Flotsam and Jetsam]]. The show was headlined by a reunited Legacy, featuring [[Steve Souza]] on vocals, and former guitarist [[Alex Skolnick]], who had not played with the band since 1992, and bassist [[Greg Christian]].{{cn|date=March 2025}} Also in 2001, Testament released ''[[First Strike Still Deadly]]'', a collection of re-recordings (with modern studio technology) of songs from their first two albums. It featured the lineup of Billy, Peterson, Di Giorgio, the return of Souza on vocals (for the album's last two tracks), Skolnick on guitar, and John Tempesta on drums.{{cn|date=March 2025}}

By 2002, Billy had made a full recovery, and the band began performing live again with a new lineup, which included then-Sadus drummer Jon Allen. In 2004, the band changed their lineup once again for their summer festival appearances. Allen was replaced by Paul Bostaph, returning to the band for a second stint after a decade's absence. Lead guitarist [[Steve Smyth]] departed to join [[Nevermore]] and was replaced by former [[Halford (band)|Halford]] guitarist [[Mike Chlasciak|"Metal" Mike Chlasciak]]. Shortly after Smyth's departure, Peterson fell down a flight of stairs, breaking his leg, and was unavailable for some dates; he was temporarily replaced by Smyth.{{cn|date=March 2025}}

===Reunion of "classic lineup" and ''The Formation of Damnation'' (2005–2010)===
{{multiple image
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| alt2 = Bassist Greg Christian
| width2 = 139
| footer = Lead guitarist [[Alex Skolnick]] and bassist [[Greg Christian]] were two of the three members of the "classic" ''[[The Legacy (album)|The Legacy]]'' lineup to rejoin the band in 2005.
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In May 2005, it was announced that Testament would be doing a brief European reunion tour – known as the "10 Days in May Tour" – featuring the "classic lineup" of Billy, Peterson, Skolnick and Christian, with drum duties shared between [[John Tempesta]] and [[Louie Clemente]]. After the success of the initial tour dates, Testament announced more dates in the U.S., Europe, and Japan with the classic lineup. Later that year, Skolnick also toured the East Coast with [[Trans-Siberian Orchestra]]. The band went on to release a live DVD and CD from the tour entitled ''Live in London''. In interviews on the DVD, Eric Peterson expressed his desire to record the follow-up to ''The Gathering'' with the "classic" Testament lineup. He also stated that Skolnick had begun writing songs for a new album. [[Chuck Billy]] was very vocal about how happy he was to have Skolnick, Christian, Clemente, and Tempesta in the band once again, and hoped to maintain a stable lineup going forward. Also in 2005, Testament's long-out of print documentary ''[[Seen Between the Lines]]'' was released on DVD for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|title=TESTAMENT: DVD Action Galore|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-dvd-action-galore/|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=December 14, 2004|access-date=July 6, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=TESTAMENT: 'Seen Between The Lines' DVD Details Revealed|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-seen-between-the-lines-dvd-details-revealed/|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=January 13, 2005|access-date=July 6, 2018}}</ref>

Testament played for the first time in the [[Middle East]] at the [[Dubai Desert Rock]] festival in March 2006. Other notable bands that performed at the Desert Rock festival were [[Iron Maiden]], [[Megadeth]], [[Reel Big Fish]] and [[3 Doors Down]].

In July 2007, the band played a show at Jaxx Nightclub in [[Springfield, Virginia]], with [[Paul Bostaph]] filling in on drum duties. It was later confirmed that Bostaph would be officially returning to the band to record a new album. The band debuted a new song at that show titled "The Afterlife",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=27495 |title=Testament Debut New Song, Interview Posted – in Metal News |website=Metalunderground.com |access-date=2017-03-02}}</ref> which they also played at Earthshaker Fest.

In February 2008, Testament released the song "More Than Meets the Eye" from its then-upcoming album ''[[The Formation of Damnation]]'' on their [[Myspace]] page. ''The Formation of Damnation'', their first studio album in seven years (and first with all-new material in nine years), was released two months later through [[Nuclear Blast|Nuclear Blast Records]]. It was the first Testament album to feature [[Alex Skolnick]] on guitar since 1992's ''[[The Ritual (Testament album)|The Ritual]]'', and the first to feature bassist [[Greg Christian]] since 1994's ''[[Low (Testament album)|Low]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-guitarist-new-material-is-sounding-pretty-old-school/ |title=TESTAMENT Guitarist: 'New Material Is Sounding Pretty Old-School' |last=Blabbermouth |date=2006-06-13 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |access-date=2019-07-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=75714 |title=BLABBERMOUTH.NET - TESTAMENT Signs with NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS |access-date=2009-12-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215085149/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=75714 |archive-date=2009-02-15 }}</ref>

Testament toured for more than two years in support of ''The Formation of Damnation''. The band performed the main event on the first day of "Gillmanfest", a rock festival to be held on May 24, 2008, in [[Valencia, Carabobo|Valencia]], [[Venezuela]], visiting [[Colombia]] for the second time in the band's extensive career. In June 2008, Testament headlined the 3rd stage at [[Download Festival]], held at [[Donington Park]], and a month later, they played at [[Ozzy Osbourne]]'s [[Monsters of Rock]] festival in [[Calgary]], [[Alberta]], Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=94858|title=Ozzy Osbourne, Judas Priest, Cavalera Conspiracy, Voivod Confirmed For Monsters Of Rock|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=2017-03-02|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216151512/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=94858|archive-date=2008-12-16}}</ref> The band also toured North America as a supporting act for [[Judas Priest]], [[Heaven & Hell (band)|Heaven & Hell]], and [[Motörhead]] on the [[Metal Masters Tour]]. The band announced that they had recruited guitarist [[Glen Drover]] (ex-Megadeth and [[King Diamond (band)|King Diamond]]) to fill in on their upcoming Mexican tour dates with Judas Priest, due to Alex Skolnick's prior commitment to the [[Trans-Siberian Orchestra]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-recruits-ex-megadeth-guitarist-glen-drover-for-upcoming-mexico-tour-dates/ |title=BLABBERMOUTH.NET – TESTAMENT Recruits Ex-MEGADETH Guitarist GLEN DROVER For Upcoming Mexico Tour Dates |date=October 25, 2008 |access-date=2019-07-12}}</ref> Testament would embark on the "Priest Feast" European tour with headliners Judas Priest and Megadeth in February and March 2009.<ref name="roadrunnerrecords.com">{{Cite web |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/priest-feast-featuring-judas-priest-megadeth-testament-french-date-added/ |title=BLABBERMOUTH.NET – 'Priest Feast' Featuring JUDAS PRIEST, MEGADETH, TESTAMENT: French Date Added |date=December 16, 2008 |access-date=2019-07-12}}</ref> On March 25, 2009, Testament played a special one-off show at the [[O2 Academy Islington|O2 Islington Academy]] in London, where they performed their first two albums (''The Legacy'' and ''The New Order'') back-to-back, with British thrash band [[Sylosis]] in support. Also in 2009, Testament set out on a 6-week tour across the US to promote ''The Formation of Damnation'', touring with [[Unearth]] and [[Lazarus A.D.]] In early 2010, Testament toured the United States with Megadeth and [[Exodus (band)|Exodus]]. [[Alex Skolnick]] did not participate in the tour due to previous obligations and [[Glen Drover]] again filled in for him. In the summer of 2010, the band toured [[Australia]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.liveguide.com.au/News_and_Reviews/6/27924/Testament_bring_Damnation_to_Australia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100609093913/http://www.liveguide.com.au/News_and_Reviews/6/27924/Testament_bring_Damnation_to_Australia |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 9, 2010 |title=7 Jun – Testament bring Damnation to Australia |date=June 9, 2010 |access-date=2019-07-12}}</ref> and supported Megadeth and [[Slayer]] on the [[American Carnage Tour]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=52573|title=Slayer, Megadeth and Testament's American Carnage Tour Dates Rescheduled, East Coast Dates Confirmed|website=MetalUnderground.com|date=February 1, 2010|access-date=August 14, 2020}}</ref> Testament also headlined for the first time in the Philippines for the annual [[Pulp Summer Slam]] on April 17, 2010 with [[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]].

===''Dark Roots of Earth'' (2010–2013)===
[[file:20171209 Oberhausen Ruhrpott Metal Meeting Testament 0438.jpg|thumb|Drummer [[Gene Hoglan]], who was previously in Testament for the recording of their seventh studio album ''[[Demonic (album)|Demonic]]'' (1997), rejoined the band in 2011. He performed on three more studio albums with Testament before departing once again in 2022.]]
As early as 2009, Testament began writing new material for their eleventh album. In an interview with Metalheadz, Peterson stated that there were about four songs written and that "there's other guys in the band who like to play the more rock melodic style but the next one is gonna be a bit heavier."{{r|roadrunnerrecords.com}} In a January 2011 interview during the [[70000 Tons of Metal]] cruise, Billy revealed that Testament had been working on six new songs, with four or five "maybe left to write," and would begin recording their new album by early March.<ref name="roadrunnerrecords1">{{Cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-hoping-to-enter-studio-in-march/ |title=BLABBERMOUTH.NET – TESTAMENT Hoping To Enter Studio In March |date=2012-09-13 |access-date=2019-07-12}}</ref> On May 18, 2011, Skolnick posted an update on his Twitter, saying, "Another tune done! My riffs from last week [plus] some of [fellow Testament guitarist Eric Peterson's] plus new ones we wrote today. Planning one more, then we've got more than we need."{{r|roadrunnerrecords1}}

Testament began recording their eleventh studio album on June 20, 2011. [[Paul Bostaph]] was unable to take part in the recording due to a "serious injury", although he was expected to rejoin when the band began touring to support the album. Bostaph was replaced by [[Gene Hoglan]], who had played drums with Testament on their 1997 album ''[[Demonic (album)|Demonic]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-recording-new-album-with-drummer-gene-hoglan/ |title=BLABBERMOUTH.NET – TESTAMENT Recording New Album With Drummer GENE HOGLAN |date=June 24, 2011 |access-date=2019-07-12}}</ref>

Testament appeared at the California dates of the summer 2011 [[Rockstar Energy Drink]] [[Mayhem Festival]] as the replacement of [[In Flames]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kikaxemusic.com/news/on-tour/item/2889-full-details-on-2011-rockstar-mayhem-festival-revealed |title=Full details on 2011 ROCKSTAR MAYHEM FESTIVAL |publisher=Kikaxemusic.com |access-date=2011-10-06}}</ref>

The band toured in the fall of 2011 with Anthrax and [[Death Angel]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-new-album-title-revealed-tour-with-anthrax-overkill-death-angel-planned/ |title=BLABBERMOUTH.NET – TESTAMENT: New Album Title Revealed; Tour With ANTHRAX, OVERKILL, DEATH ANGEL Planned |date=July 17, 2011 |access-date=2019-07-12}}</ref> [[Overkill (band)|Overkill]] was invited to the tour, but due to the pre-production of their sixteenth studio album ''[[The Electric Age]]'', they did not participate.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-not-touring-with-anthrax-testament-band-to-hit-studio-in-october/ |title=BLABBERMOUTH.NET – OVERKILL Not Touring With ANTHRAX, TESTAMENT; Band… |date=2012-09-08 |access-date=2019-07-12}}</ref> [[John Tempesta]] filled in for Bostaph on the tour.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-taps-drummer-john-tempesta-for-anthrax-tour/|title=TESTAMENT Taps Drummer JOHN TEMPESTA For ANTHRAX Tour|date=September 7, 2011|website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET}}</ref> It was announced on December 1, 2011 that Bostaph had once again left Testament. [[Gene Hoglan]], who had recorded the drum tracks for the new album, was brought back after the band had expressed pleasure in his playing, hoping that he would continue with the band for the foreseeable future.

After many delays, the band's eleventh studio album ''[[Dark Roots of Earth]]'' was released on July 27, 2012.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=166716 | title = Drummer Paul Bostaph Quits Testament | publisher = [[Blabbermouth.net]] | date = December 1, 2011 | access-date = December 1, 2011 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111203005446/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=166716 | archive-date = December 3, 2011 }}</ref> The album debuted at No. 12 on the ''Billboard'' 200, their highest chart position to date. [[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]] drummer [[Chris Adler (drummer)|Chris Adler]] made a guest appearance on the bonus track "A Day in the Death".<ref>{{cite web|url= http://rockrevoltmagazine.com/Magazine/January2013/RockRevoltMagazineIssue2.html#p=21
| publisher=Rock Revolt Magazine| date=2013-01-17| title=January/February 2013 Digital issue: TESTAMENT}}</ref>

===''Dark Roots of Thrash'' and ''Brotherhood of the Snake'' (2013–2019)===
In August 2012, Peterson stated that Testament would record a twelfth studio album if ''Dark Roots of Earth'' did well.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=178071 |title=Eric Peterson: 'If Testament Sees Darker Days, I Don't Know If This Lineup Would Stick' |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=2012-08-13 |access-date=2017-03-02}}</ref> A week prior to the release of ''Dark Roots of Earth'', Billy promised that Testament would not take "huge gaps" between albums anymore, and would "work hard and tour for two years or so," and try to release another album when they could.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=177085 |title=Testament Frontman: 'We're Not Going To Take Huge Gaps Between Records Anymore' |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=2012-07-21 |access-date=2017-03-02}}</ref> Hoglan had also said that he would "absolutely dig" to be a part of the songwriting of the next Testament album.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bowar |first=Chad |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/interviews/a/Gene-Hoglan-Interview2013.htm |title=Gene Hoglan Interview |website=Heavymetal.about.com |access-date=2017-03-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303045406/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/interviews/a/Gene-Hoglan-Interview2013.htm |archive-date=2017-03-03 }}</ref>

On September 13, 2013, Billy told Rock Overdose that from January to April 2014, Testament would be writing and recording their eleventh studio album for a 2014 release.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://rockoverdose.gr/news_details.php?id=25793|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923065716/http://rockoverdose.gr/news_details.php?id=25793|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 23, 2013|title=Rock Overdose – News – Chuck Billy (TESTAMENT) on Rock Overdose:"New album to be released in 2014"|date=September 23, 2013}}</ref> Testament released a live DVD/double album ''[[Dark Roots of Thrash]]'' on October 15, 2013. The release documents the band's sold-out headlining performance at [[Paramount Theatre (Manhattan)|the Paramount]] in Huntington, New York, in February 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.testamentlegions.com/site/2013/08/15/testament-dark-roots-of-thrash-dvdcd-details-released/ |title=Testament: "Dark Roots of Thrash" DVD/CD Details Released – |website=Testamentlegions.com |date=2013-08-15 |access-date=2017-03-02 |archive-date=December 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209100712/http://www.testamentlegions.com/site/2013/08/15/testament-dark-roots-of-thrash-dvdcd-details-released/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[file:20171209 Oberhausen Ruhrpott Metal Meeting Testament 0583.jpg|thumb|left|Bassist [[Steve Di Giorgio]], who had left in 2005, returned to Testament in 2014, taking over from his replacement [[Greg Christian]].]]
In January 2014, bassist [[Greg Christian]] left Testament again, and was replaced by a returning [[Steve Di Giorgio]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-parts-ways-with-bassist-greg-christian-announces-return-of-steve-digiorgio/ |title=Testament Parts Ways With Bassist Greg Christian, Announces Return Of Steve Digiorgio |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=2014-01-13 |access-date=2017-03-02}}</ref> Christian has stated that the reasons behind his departure were because of money disputes and differences with the band.<ref>{{cite web|title=Former Testament Bassist Greg Christian: 'It Sucks To Be Poor And Famous'|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/former-testament-bassist-greg-christian-it-sucks-to-be-poor-and-famous/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=May 1, 2014|access-date=June 28, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Former Testament Bassist Greg Christian On His Departure: 'I Got Sick Of Not Getting Paid'|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/former-testament-bassist-greg-christian-on-his-departure-i-got-sick-of-not-getting-paid/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=June 26, 2014|access-date=June 28, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ex-Testament Bassist Greg Christian Says He Made 'Only' $38,000 For Live Performances In All Of 2013|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ex-testament-bassist-greg-christian-says-he-made-only-38000-for-live-performances-in-all-of-2013/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=July 10, 2014|access-date=June 28, 2016}}</ref>

When asked in an April 2015 interview about Testament's plans to begin recording their twelfth album, Peterson said that his "main goal" was to "get home [from tour] in June, finish it up and get in the studio by September."<ref name="newalbum2016">{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dont-expect-next-testament-album-before-2016-says-eric-peterson/ |title=Don't Expect Next Testament Album Before 2016, Says Eric Peterson |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=2015-04-18 |access-date=2017-03-02}}</ref> Billy also said that the band's goal was to have the album finished by Thanksgiving.<ref>{{cite web|title=Testament Hopes To Complete New Album Before December|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-hopes-to-complete-new-album-before-december/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=June 14, 2015|access-date=June 15, 2015}}</ref> Slovenian bassist Tilen Hudrap ([[Pestilence (band)|Pestilence]], [[U.D.O.]], [[Vicious Rumors]], [[Paradox (German band)|Paradox]], Doro (live), Thraw...) and Bay Area drummer [[Alex Bent]] (Arkaik, [[Hatriot]], [[Decrepit Birth]] and [[Battlecross]]) filled in for Di Giorgio and Hoglan respectively at the prestigious Canadian open-air festival [[Heavy Montréal]] in August 2015, which was attended by more than 70,000 spectators. Other bands that appeared with Testament on the 2015 edition of HMTL were Gojira, Lamb of God, Slipknot, Faith No More, Neurosis, Arch Enemy, Abbath, Ihsahn etc.{{cn|date=April 2025}} Both Hudrap and Bent continued to work with Eric Peterson and appeared on his solo single "Winter Sun", released in December 2015, as well as on the Dragonlord studio album "Dominion". Hudrap later joined the iconic German singer Udo Dirkschneider, while Bent joined Trivium.{{cn|date=March 2025}}

In May 2016, Billy confirmed their twelfth album would be called ''[[Brotherhood of the Snake]]''. Of the album's lyrical content, he commented, "The Brotherhood of the Snake was actually a society about 6,000 years ago that debarred all religions. It was just a fascinating topic that caught our eye and attention and spawned a lot of songs. We're going with that vibe. There will be some songs that deviate, but the majority will be around that and aliens and religion. Then I'll probably tap into my native heritage and write some songs about that. It's not just going to be one concept, but there is some interesting stuff that we're finding to write about."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thenationalstudent.com/Music/2016-05-11/interview_testament.html |title=Interview: Testament – The National Student |website=[[Thenationalstudent.com]] |date=2016-05-11 |access-date=2017-03-02 |archive-date=May 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511144521/http://www.thenationalstudent.com/Music/2016-05-11/interview_testament.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Brotherhood of the Snake'' was released on October 28, 2016,<ref>{{cite web|title=TESTAMENT Sets Release Date For 'The Brotherhood Of The Snake' Album|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-sets-release-date-for-the-brotherhood-of-the-snake-album/|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=June 28, 2016|access-date=June 28, 2016}}</ref> and received generally positive reviews from critics, and scored Testament their second-highest chart position on the ''Billboard'' 200, peaking at number twenty.{{r|Billboard.com}} Shortly after its release, Testament embarked on an international tour with [[Amon Amarth]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Dates with Amon Amarth in the U.K. and Ireland|url=http://www.testamentlegions.com/site/2016/06/13/dates-with-amon-amarth-in-the-u-k-and-ireland/|work=Testamentlegions.com|date=June 13, 2016|access-date=June 28, 2016|archive-date=August 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811121054/http://www.testamentlegions.com/site/2016/06/13/dates-with-amon-amarth-in-the-u-k-and-ireland/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and toured North America in April–May 2017 with [[Sepultura]], [[Prong (band)|Prong]], Infernal Tenebra and Dying Gorgeous Lies.<ref>{{cite web|title=Testament To Tour North America With Sepultura, Prong; Blabbermouth.net Presale Available|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-to-tour-north-america-with-sepultura-prong/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=December 5, 2016|access-date=December 6, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=INFERNAL TENEBRA and DYING GORGEOUS LIES to Tour With TESTAMENT, SEPULTURA and PRONG in North America|url=https://metalshockfinland.com/2016/12/20/infernal-tenebra-and-dying-gorgeous-lies-to-tour-with-testament-sepultura-and-prong-in-north-america/|work=Metalshockfinland.com|date=December 20, 2016|access-date=December 31, 2016}}</ref> The band also toured Europe with [[Annihilator (band)|Annihilator]] and [[Death Angel]] in November and December 2017,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-to-tour-europe-with-annihilator-death-angel/|title=Testament To Tour Europe With Annihilator, Death Angel|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=June 9, 2017|access-date=November 2, 2017}}</ref> and again in March and April 2018, with Annihilator and [[Vader (band)|Vader]] supporting.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-announces-second-leg-of-european-tour-annihilator-and-vader-to-support/|title=Testament Announces Second Leg Of European Tour; Annihilator And Vader To Support|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=November 2, 2017|access-date=November 2, 2017}}</ref> Along with Anthrax, [[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]], [[Behemoth (band)|Behemoth]] and [[Napalm Death]], Testament opened for Slayer on their [[Slayer Farewell Tour|final North American tour]], which took place throughout the spring and summer of 2018.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hartmann|first1=Graham|title=Slayer Recruit Lamb of God, Anthrax, Behemoth + Testament for Final Tour|url=http://loudwire.com/slayer-lamb-of-god-anthrax-behemoth-testament-final-tour/|website=Loudwire|date=January 22, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=SLAYER Announces Second North American Leg Of 'Final' Tour|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-announces-second-north-american-leg-of-final-tour/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=March 5, 2018|access-date=March 5, 2018}}</ref> Testament also performed at Megadeth's first-ever cruise called Megacruise in October 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/anthrax-testament-corrosion-of-conformity-others-confirmed-for-megadeths-first-ever-megacruise/|title=ANTHRAX, TESTAMENT, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, Others Confirmed For MEGADETH's First-Ever 'Megacruise'|publisher=Blabbermouth|date=October 9, 2018|access-date=October 11, 2018}}</ref>

===''Titans of Creation'', touring and upcoming fourteenth studio album (2019–present)===
By March 2017, Testament had begun writing the follow-up to ''Brotherhood of the Snake'', with plans to release it in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|title=Testament Is Already Working On Material For Next Album|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-is-already-working-on-material-for-next-album/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=March 13, 2017|access-date=March 13, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Testament Hopes To Release Next Album In 2018|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-hopes-to-release-next-album-in-2018/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=March 20, 2017|access-date=March 20, 2017}}</ref> Billy stated in March 2018 that Testament would start working on their thirteenth studio album after finishing touring in support of ''Brotherhood of the Snake'' in August, hoping not to repeat the four-year gaps between their previous three albums.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/community_feed/testament_no_new_album_until_next_year.html|title=Testament: No New Album Until Next Year|publisher=Ultimate-Guitar.com|date=March 19, 2018|access-date=January 30, 2020}}</ref> He later stated that opening for Slayer on their farewell tour would be "the final lap for [them] touring" in support of ''Brotherhood of the Snake''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testaments-chuck-billy-we-want-to-release-a-new-album-in-2019/|title=TESTAMENT's CHUCK BILLY: 'We Want To Release A New Album In 2019'|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=May 9, 2018|access-date=May 9, 2018}}</ref> Work on the follow-up album began in February 2019,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metaladdicts.com/site/testament-are-working-on-new-album/|title=TESTAMENT Are Working On New Album|publisher=MetalAddicts.com|date=February 8, 2019|access-date=February 9, 2019}}</ref> and pre-production began in May with [[Andy Sneap]] as the mixer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-frontman-its-time-to-buckle-down-and-try-to-get-some-music-written/|title=TESTAMENT Frontman: 'It's Time To Buckle Down And Try To Get Some Music Written'|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=August 8, 2018|access-date=August 8, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-in-pre-production-for-new-album-its-gonna-be-a-monster-record/|title=TESTAMENT In Pre-Production For New Album: 'It's Gonna Be A Monster Record'|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=May 5, 2019|access-date=May 5, 2019}}</ref> Drummer [[Gene Hoglan]] revealed in a June 2019 interview on the "Talk Toomey" podcast that the band had finished recording the album for a 2019 or early 2020 release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-has-finished-recording-new-album-says-gene-hoglan/|title=TESTAMENT Has Finished Recording New Album, Says GENE HOGLAN|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=June 18, 2019|access-date=June 19, 2019}}</ref> Peterson later stated that it would be released in January 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testaments-new-album-to-be-released-in-january-2020/|title=TESTAMENT's New Album To Be Released In January 2020|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=June 23, 2019|date=June 23, 2019}}</ref>

The band, along with [[Exodus (band)|Exodus]] and [[Death Angel]], took part in [[The Bay Strikes Back]] tour of Europe in February and March 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-exodus-and-death-angel-to-join-forces-for-the-bay-strikes-back-2020-european-tour/|title=TESTAMENT, EXODUS And DEATH ANGEL To Join Forces For 'The Bay Strikes Back 2020' European Tour|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=July 29, 2019|date=July 29, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2019/08/05/the-bay-area-strikes-back-tour-with-testament-exodus-and-death-angel-could-hit-the-u-s-next-year/|title=The "Bay Area Strikes Back" Tour with Testament, Exodus, and Death Angel Could Hit the U.S. Next Year|publisher=metalsucks.net|date=August 5, 2019|access-date=August 6, 2019}}</ref> Following the tour, Chuck Billy and his wife Tiffany tested positive for [[COVID-19]], making him the third person to have contracted the virus during the tour following Will Carroll of [[Death Angel]] and [[Gary Holt (musician)|Gary Holt]] of [[Exodus (band)|Exodus]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2020/03/22/coronavirus-testament-exodus-death-angel-bay-area-metal-bands-ill-return-from-european-tour/|title=Coronavirus Update: Members Of Bay Area Metal Bands Sick After Return From European Tour|website=[[KPIX-TV|CBS San Francisco]]|date=March 22, 2020|access-date=March 22, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-singer-chuck-billy-tests-positive-for-coronavirus/|title=TESTAMENT Singer CHUCK BILLY Tests Positive For Coronavirus|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=March 22, 2020|access-date=March 22, 2020}}</ref> Bassist [[Steve Di Giorgio]] was later diagnosed with COVID-19, becoming the second member of Testament to have tested positive for the condition.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-bassist-steve-digiorgio-has-tested-positive-for-covid-19/|title=TESTAMENT Bassist STEVE DIGIORGIO Has Tested Positive For COVID-19|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=April 2, 2020|date=April 2, 2020}}</ref>

Testament released their thirteenth studio album ''[[Titans of Creation]]'' on April 3, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testaments-new-album-gets-official-release-date/|title=TESTAMENT's New Album Gets Official Release Date|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=January 18, 2020|date=January 18, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/nz/album/titans-of-creation/1493544060|title=Titans of Creation by Testament|website=Apple Music|access-date=January 30, 2020}}</ref> They were due to headline a North America tour to promote the album, with support provided by [[The Black Dahlia Murder (band)|The Black Dahlia Murder]], [[Municipal Waste (band)|Municipal Waste]] and Meshiaak,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-announces-north-american-tour-with-the-black-dahlia-murder-municipal-waste-blabbermouth-net-presale/|title=TESTAMENT Announces North American Tour With THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, MUNICIPAL WASTE; BLABBERMOUTH.NET Presale|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=February 4, 2020|date=February 3, 2020}}</ref> but it was postponed due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metalinjection.net/tour-dates/testament-the-black-dahlia-murder-municipal-waste-tour-officially-postponed|title=TESTAMENT, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, MUNICIPAL WASTE Tour Officially Postponed|publisher=metalinjection.net|access-date=June 3, 2020|date=April 14, 2020}}</ref> For this reason, Testament did not tour in support of ''Titans of Creation'' for over a-year-and-a-half; touring for the album was scheduled to start in the fall of 2021, with the band resuming their Bay Strikes Back tour in North America with Exodus and Death Angel, but the COVID-19 pandemic led to its postponement to the spring of 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-exodus-and-death-angel-announce-the-bay-strikes-back-fall-2021-u-s-tour-blabbermouth-net-presale/|title=TESTAMENT, EXODUS And DEATH ANGEL Announce 'The Bay Strikes Back' Fall 2021 U.S. Tour; BLABBERMOUTH.NET Presale|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=June 28, 2021|access-date=June 28, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-exodus-and-death-angel-u-s-leg-of-the-bay-strikes-back-tour-postponed-to-may-2022/|title=TESTAMENT, EXODUS And DEATH ANGEL: U.S. Leg Of 'The Bay Strikes Back Tour' Postponed To April/May 2022|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=October 1, 2021|access-date=October 2, 2021}}</ref> Following this was a summer European tour, which included festival appearances, as well as headlining dates with Exodus, Death Angel and [[Heathen (band)|Heathen]], and one with [[Sepultura]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-announces-summer-2022-european-tour/|title=TESTAMENT Announces Summer 2022 European Tour|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=February 23, 2022|access-date=February 23, 2022}}</ref> and then the second North American leg of the Bay Strikes Back tour in the fall.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/testament-announces-second-north-american-leg-of-the-bay-strikes-back-tour-with-exodus-death-angel|title=TESTAMENT Announces Second North American Leg Of 'The Bay Strikes Back Tour' With EXODUS, DEATH ANGEL|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=April 27, 2022|access-date=April 27, 2022}}</ref> The band also co-headlined the Klash of the Titans tour in Latin America with [[Kreator]] in the spring of 2023, followed by a European tour with [[Voivod (band)|Voivod]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/kreator-and-testament-join-forces-for-klash-of-the-titans-latin-american-tour|title=KREATOR And TESTAMENT Join Forces For Klash Of The Titans Latin American Tour|publisher=[[Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles]]|access-date=October 19, 2022|date=October 19, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/testament-announces-titans-of-creation-spring-2023-european-tour-with-exodus-and-voivod|title=TESTAMENT Announces 'Titans Of Creation' Spring 2023 European Tour With EXODUS And VOIVOD|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=January 25, 2023|date=January 23, 2023}}</ref> and dates in Asia with Exodus and Death Angel.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/testament_exodus_and_death_angel_to_bring_bay_strikes_back_tour_to_japan.html | title=Testament, Exodus and Death Angel to Bring 'Bay Strikes Back' Tour to Japan }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/testament_exodus_and_death_angel_to_bring_bay_strikes_back_tour_to_the_philippines.html | title=Testament, Exodus and Death Angel to Bring 'Bay Strikes Back' Tour to the Philippines }}</ref> On some dates of the latter tour, [[Phil Demmel]] (formerly of [[Vio-lence]] and [[Machine Head (band)|Machine Head]]) stepped in for guitarist [[Alex Skolnick]], as the latter had sat out in order to tend to a family emergency.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/testaments-alex-skolnick-to-sit-out-european-tour-phil-demmel-to-step-in|title=TESTAMENT's ALEX SKOLNICK To Sit Out European Tour Dates; PHIL DEMMEL To Step In|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=May 25, 2023|date=May 24, 2023}}</ref>
[[File:Dave Lombardo.jpg|thumb|Drummer [[Dave Lombardo]], who appeared on Testament's eighth studio album ''[[The Gathering (Testament album)|The Gathering]]'', rejoined the band in 2022 as the replacement of [[Gene Hoglan]] before he was replaced by Chris Dovas in the following year.]]
In a May 2020 interview with Exodus and former Legacy frontman [[Steve Souza|Steve "Zetro" Souza]] on his "Toxic Vault" video channel, Billy was asked if he was going to write another Testament album during the COVID-19 pandemic. His response was, "We're not writing a record yet. I won't release what we're doing, but we are gonna write some stuff. Just to do something, not a record but maybe something just to have some singles."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/community_feed/testaments_chuck_billy_reveals_follow-up_to_titans_of_creation_may_not_result_in_full-length_album.html|title=Testament's Chuck Billy Reveals Follow-Up to 'Titans of Creation' May Not Result in Full-Length Album|publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar]]|access-date=July 10, 2020|date=July 10, 2020}}</ref> In a July 2020 interview with Australia's Riff Crew, Billy commented on his take on the possibility of writing another Testament album during the pandemic, saying, "Well, if it is truly, as someone says, a two-year period, of course, we're gonna go write another record, and when it all settles, we'll have two records… And if it had to be that long, then, yeah, we would probably consider just writing another record."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-is-planning-something-cool-for-titans-of-creation-relaunch-once-pandemic-has-subsided/|title=TESTAMENT Is Planning 'Something Cool' For 'Titans Of Creation' Relaunch Once Pandemic Has Subsided|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=August 1, 2020|date=August 1, 2020}}</ref> Peterson reiterated Billy's comments in September 2020 that the band could work on new material before beginning to tour in support of ''Titans of Creation''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/community_feed/testament_next_album_could_be_released_before_2024.html|title=Testament: Next Album Could Be Released Before 2024|publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar]]|access-date=September 28, 2020|date=September 28, 2020}}</ref> In a March 2021 interview on Alive & Streaming, an internet podcast hosted by [[Death Angel]] guitarist Ted Aguilar, Billy confirmed that Peterson had begun writing new material for what might result in the next Testament album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=41290|title=Testament - Writing New Album|publisher=[[Metal Storm (webzine)|Metal Storm]]|access-date=March 7, 2021|date=March 7, 2021}}</ref>

On January 21, 2022, the band and longtime drummer [[Gene Hoglan]] announced on their respective social media accounts that he had once again left Testament to pursue "an exciting new chapter of [his] career and free agency, with all that it will entail."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-parts-ways-with-longtime-drummer-gene-hoglan/|title=TESTAMENT Parts Ways With Longtime Drummer GENE HOGLAN|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=January 21, 2022|date=January 21, 2022}}</ref> On March 1, it was announced that drummer [[Dave Lombardo]] had rejoined the band in time for the North American leg of The Bay Strikes Back tour, which became Testament's first major outing with Lombardo, who had left the band before the 1999–2000 tour for ''[[The Gathering (Testament album)|The Gathering]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-rejoined-by-drummer-dave-lombardo/|title=TESTAMENT Rejoined By Drummer DAVE LOMBARDO|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=March 1, 2022|date=March 1, 2022}}</ref> The band later discussed the possibility of recording a new album with Lombardo,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=45881|title=Testament - Chuck Billy On Band's Next Album, Upcoming Debut Solo Album|publisher=[[Metal Storm (webzine)|Metal Storm]]|access-date=April 27, 2022|date=April 27, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worshipmetal.com/news/dave-lombardo-re-joins-testament/|title=DAVE LOMBARDO re-joins TESTAMENT!|website=worshipmetal.com|access-date=March 2, 2022|date=March 2, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/chuck-billy-says-dave-lombardo-has-expressed-interest-in-playing-on-next-testament-studio-album/|title=CHUCK BILLY Says DAVE LOMBARDO Has Expressed Interest In Playing On Next TESTAMENT Studio Album|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=March 18, 2022|date=March 18, 2022}}</ref> and Billy stated in September 2022 that the band would likely begin work on it after the conclusion of The Bay Strikes Back tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/testament-hopes-to-release-new-studio-album-in-2023|title=TESTAMENT Hopes To Release New Studio Album In 2023|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=October 11, 2022|date=September 21, 2022}}</ref> He later stated that he hoped they would begin recording their new album towards the end of 2023 for a 2024 release.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/chuck-billy-hopes-to-get-new-testament-album-recorded-before-end-of-2023 | title=CHUCK BILLY Hopes to Get New TESTAMENT Album Recorded Before End of 2023 | date=April 24, 2023 }}</ref> When asked in a June 2023 during their appearance at [[Hellfest]] when the album would be recorded, Peterson said, "Hopefully maybe October, November. If not, probably January, February. But we're shooting for this year — at the end of the year. I think I'll be done writing in September. So we just have to wait for vocals. Which can take a while. But we'll see what happens."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/testament-has-five-or-six-killer-new-songs-written-for-next-studio-album | title=TESTAMENT Has Five or Six 'Killer' New Songs Written for Next Studio Album | date=June 19, 2023 }}</ref> It was announced the same month that Testament had renewed their deal with Nuclear Blast for three more albums, and the label had acquired the rights to the band's first six studio albums for future reissues.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/testaments-complete-catalog-acquired-by-nuclear-blast|title=TESTAMENT's Complete Catalog Acquired By NUCLEAR BLAST|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=June 21, 2023|date=June 21, 2023}}</ref> Work on the new album resumed in July 2023, with Peterson describing its direction as a combination of thrash, [[New wave of British heavy metal|NWOBHM]], "[[black metal|thrash black]] [and] [[Blues rock|heavy hard rock blues]]",<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/testament_are_writing_new_album_describe_it_as_combo_of_thrash_nwobhm_thrash_black_dark_heavy_hard_rock_blues.html | title=Testament Are Writing New Album, Describe It as Combo of 'Thrash, NWOBHM, Thrash Black, Dark Heavy Hard Rock Blues' }}</ref> and it was announced nearly two weeks later that the songwriting process of the album had begun.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=50776 | title=Testament - Begin Writing New Album }}</ref> By December 2023, Testament had begun tracking their new album with mastering engineer Justin Shturtz at Sterling Sound in [[Nashville]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theprp.com/2023/12/06/news/testament-were-recently-in-the-studio/|title=Testament Were Recently In The Studio|publisher=ThePRP|access-date=December 8, 2023|date=December 6, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://metalinjection.net/upcoming-releases/in-the-studio/testament-is-in-the-studio|title=TESTAMENT Is In The Studio|publisher=MetalInjection|access-date=December 8, 2023|date=December 6, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=52028|title=Testament - Enter Recording Studio|publisher=[[Metal Storm (webzine)|Metal Storm]]|access-date=December 8, 2023|date=December 8, 2023}}</ref> but progress was slow, with Di Giorgio confirming in March 2024 that pre-production on the album had begun,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=53332|title=Testament - New Album In Pre-Production Phase |publisher=[[Metal Storm (webzine)|Metal Storm]]|access-date=March 18, 2024|date=March 18, 2024}}</ref> and Billy revealing in June that "most of the drums" were recorded.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/chuck-billy-most-of-the-drums-are-recorded-for-next-testament-album|title=CHUCK BILLY: 'Most Of The Drums' Are Recorded For Next TESTAMENT Album|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=June 12, 2024|date=June 12, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/testament-hopes-to-be-done-recording-new-album-within-three-weeks|title=TESTAMENT Hopes To Be Done Recording New Album Within Three Weeks|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=June 29, 2024|date=June 24, 2024}}</ref> The band members later announced that their new album would not be released until 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/chuck-billy-reveals-new-testament-songtitles-says-upcoming-album-is-one-step-up-as-far-as-aggression|title=CHUCK BILLY Reveals New TESTAMENT Songtitles, Says Upcoming Album Is 'One Step Up As Far As Aggression'|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=July 2, 2024|date=July 2, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Greg|last=Kennelty|url=https://metalinjection.net/upcoming-releases/testaments-new-album-is-due-in-2025|title=TESTAMENT's New Album Is Due In 2025|work=Metal Injection|date=August 22, 2024|access-date=October 30, 2024}}</ref>

In April 2023, Lombardo announced that he would not be joining Testament throughout their 2023 tour dates, giving scheduling conflicts as the reason and expressing uncertainty that he would return to the band afterwards.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/dave-lombardo-to-sit-out-testaments-2023-shows-says-future-with-the-band-is-uncertain | title=DAVE LOMBARDO to Sit Out TESTAMENT's 2023 Shows, Says Future with the Band is Uncertain | date=April 13, 2023 }}</ref> He was officially replaced by former [[Seven Spires]] drummer Chris Dovas, who had previously filled in for Lombardo for a few U.S. dates the previous fall.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/testaments-eric-peterson-says-new-drummer-chris-dovas-will-make-the-band-heavier-and-more-precise-than-before | title=TESTAMENT's ERIC PETERSON Says New Drummer CHRIS DOVAS Will Make the Band 'Heavier and More Precise Than Before' | date=April 17, 2023 }}</ref>

Testament released remastered versions of ''The Legacy'' and ''The New Order'' on July 12, 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/testament-announces-remastered-versions-of-the-legacy-and-the-new-order|title=TESTAMENT Announces Remastered Versions Of 'The Legacy' And 'The New Order'|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=June 12, 2024|date=June 7, 2024}}</ref> In support of those remasters, the band co-headlined the North American leg of the Klash of the Titans tour with [[Kreator]] in September–October 2024 (with [[Possessed (band)|Possessed]] as the supporting act),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/testament-and-kreator-announce-klash-of-the-titans-north-american-tour-with-possessed|title=TESTAMENT And KREATOR Announce 'Klash Of The Titans' North American Tour With POSSESSED|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=April 30, 2024|date=April 30, 2024}}</ref> followed by a Europe that November–December, where Testament opened for Kreator and [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/anthrax-kreator-and-testament-announce-fall-2024-european-tour|title=ANTHRAX, KREATOR And TESTAMENT Announce Fall 2024 European Tour|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=January 22, 2024|date=January 22, 2024}}</ref> Prior to those tours, they supported [[Behemoth (band)|Behemoth]] on their O Father, O Satan, O Svmmer European tour during the summer of 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/behemoth-announces-summer-2024-european-tour|title=BEHEMOTH Announces Summer 2024 European Tour|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=January 26, 2024|date=January 26, 2024}}</ref> To celebrate the belated 35th anniversary of ''Practice What You Preach'', Testament embarked on "an evening with" tour in the U.S. in April–May 2025 which saw the band perform that album in its entirety.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/testament-to-celebrate-35th-anniversary-of-practice-what-you-preach-on-spring-2025-an-evening-with-u-s-tour|title=TESTAMENT To Celebrate 35th Anniversary Of 'Practice What You Preach' On Spring 2025 'An Evening With…' U.S. Tour|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=March 4, 2025|access-date=March 4, 2025}}</ref> They will also headline a tour of Latin America in August,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=58442|title=Testament - Announce 2025 Latin American Tour Dates|publisher=[[Metal Storm (webzine)|Metal Storm]]|access-date=May 14, 2025|date=May 14, 2025}}</ref> followed by co-headlining a European tour with [[Obituary (band)|Obituary]] in the fall, with support from [[Destruction (band)|Destruction]] and [[Nervosa (band)|Nervosa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/testament-and-obituary-announce-october-2025-european-tour-with-destruction-and-goatwhore|title=TESTAMENT And OBITUARY Announce October 2025 European Tour With DESTRUCTION And GOATWHORE|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=April 28, 2025|access-date=May 11, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://lambgoat.com/news/47993/goatwhore-withdraw-from-testaments-upcoming-european-tour-nervosa-tapped-as-replacement/|title=Goatwhore withdraw from Testament's upcoming European tour, Nervosa tapped as replacement|website=lambgoat.com|date=June 2, 2025|access-date=June 2, 2025}}</ref>

==Legacy and influence==
Inspired by the [[new wave of British heavy metal]] (NWOBHM) and local [[List of bands from the San Francisco Bay Area|Bay Area music]] scenes,<ref name=givememetal>{{cite web|url=https://www.givememetal.com/thrashmetaltrees/testament-family-tree|title=Testament Family Tree — The Metal|website=givememetal.com|date=April 8, 2020 |access-date=May 4, 2021}}</ref> Testament has been credited as one of the leaders of the second wave of thrash metal in the late 1980s,{{r|metalblade.com|tonedeaf}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://events.rialtotheatrearchive.com/event_pop.php?id=249|title=Testament @ Rialto Theatre|publisher=events.rialtotheatrearchive.com|date=March 27, 2007|access-date=January 28, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dnalounge.com/calendar/2010/12-11a.html|title=DNA Lounge: Forbidden, 11 Dec 2010 (Sat)|publisher=dnalounge.com|access-date=January 28, 2018}}</ref> as well as one of the most influential [[Bay Area thrash metal]] bands.{{r|allmusic.com|dfwundercover}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sfist.com/2014/07/30/photos_bay_area_thrash_metal_in_the.php|title=Photos: Bay Area Thrash Metal In The 80s, Including Metallica, Testament, and Exodus|publisher=sfist.com|date=July 30, 2014|access-date=January 28, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171105222220/http://sfist.com/2014/07/30/photos_bay_area_thrash_metal_in_the.php|archive-date=November 5, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/best-metal-albums-1988/|title=10 Best Metal Albums of 1988|publisher=[[Loudwire|Loudwire.com]]|date=January 16, 2018|access-date=January 28, 2018}}</ref> In a 2021 ''[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]]'' magazine fan poll, Testament was voted number one as best non-"Big Four" thrash band.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-24 |title=Fan Poll: Top 5 Non-Big 4 Thrash Bands |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/fan-poll-top-5-non-big-4-thrash-bands |access-date=2023-07-18 |website=Revolver |language=en}}</ref> [[AllMusic]] referred to them as "one of the first thrash acts to emerge from the [[San Francisco Bay Area|Bay Area]] in [[Metallica]]'s wake during the '80s."{{r|allmusic.com}} Testament is considered to be part of the "Big Eight" of thrash metal, along with Metallica, [[Megadeth]], [[Slayer]], [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]], [[Exodus (band)|Exodus]], [[Overkill (band)|Overkill]] and [[Death Angel]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/death-angel-mn0000230845/biography|title=Death Angel Biography & History|work=[[AllMusic|allmusic.com]]|access-date=July 8, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/community_feed/testament_overkill_death_angel_and_suicidal_tendencies_reportedly_touring_together_next_year.html|title=Testament, Overkill, Death Angel and Suicidal Tendencies Reportedly Touring Together Next Year|publisher=Ultimate-Guitar.com|date=July 16, 2018|access-date=July 8, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalhead.it/?p=156619|title=DEATH ANGEL, un'unica data da headliner in Italia!|publisher=metalhead.it|date=March 22, 2019|access-date=July 8, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.herald-dispatch.com/features_entertainment/the-v-club-to-host-san-fran-thrash-metal-unit/article_75cf0136-81e9-5735-ba08-f275df1aed4d.html|title=The V Club to host San Fran thrash metal unit Death Angel|date=April 23, 2019 |publisher=herald-dispatch.com|access-date=July 8, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/mycity/news/legendary-metal-band-testament-to-be-part-of-silence-festival-2019|title=My City - Legendary metal band, Testament to be part of Silence Festival 2019|publisher=[[República (newspaper)|myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com]]|access-date=October 15, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://metaljacketmagazine.com/metaldays-2020-first-bands-confirmed/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015174829/http://metaljacketmagazine.com/metaldays-2020-first-bands-confirmed/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=October 15, 2019|title=MetalDays 2020: First bands confirmed!|date=July 27, 2019|publisher=metaljacketmagazine.com|access-date=October 15, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bloodbath.ro/rockstadt-extreme-fest-2019-la-final-28-000-de-participanti-in-cele-4-zile-de-festival-si-50-de-trupe-au-concertat-pe-doua-scene-principale/|title=Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2019 la final: 28.000 de participanți în cele 4 zile de festival și 50 de trupe au concertat pe două scene principale!|date=August 7, 2019|publisher=bloodbath.ro|access-date=October 15, 2019}}</ref>

Numerous hard rock and heavy metal acts have been cited as an influence or inspiration to Testament's music, including [[Aerosmith]], [[AC/DC]], [[Angel Witch]], [[Black Sabbath]], [[Boston (band)|Boston]], [[Deep Purple]], [[Def Leppard]], [[Dio (band)|Dio]], Exodus, [[Iron Maiden]], [[Judas Priest]], [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]], [[Led Zeppelin]], [[Mercyful Fate]], Metallica, the [[Michael Schenker Group]], [[Montrose (band)|Montrose]], [[Ozzy Osbourne]] (particularly the [[Randy Rhoads]]-era), [[Raven (British band)|Raven]], [[Samson (band)|Samson]], [[Saxon (band)|Saxon]], [[Scorpions (band)|Scorpions]], Slayer, [[the Sweet]], [[Thin Lizzy]], [[UFO (band)|UFO]] (particularly the [[Michael Schenker]]-era), [[Van Halen]], [[Venom (band)|Venom]] and [[Watchtower (band)|Watchtower]].<ref name="givememetal"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sleazeroxx.com/ravens-debut-album-rock-until-you-drop-getting-released-as-the-4cd-over-the-top-edition/|title=Raven's debut album 'Rock Until You Drop' getting released as 'The 4CD Over The Top Edition'|publisher=sleazeroxx.com|access-date=March 7, 2022|date=March 7, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/prog_thrash_legends_watchtower_announce_first_us_reunion_show.html|title=Prog Thrash Legends Watchtower Announce First U.S. Reunion Show|publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar|Ultimate-Guitar.com]]|date=July 9, 2023|access-date=July 9, 2023}}</ref> The band's other musical influences or inspirations include [[the Beatles]], as well as guitarists and vocalists [[Jeff Beck]], [[Chuck Berry]], [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[Yngwie Malmsteen]], [[Frank Marino]], [[Mahogany Rush]], [[Pat Travers]] and [[Johnny Winter]].<ref name="givememetal"/>

Testament has influenced multiple bands from different genres, including [[Pantera]],{{r|tonedeaf}}<ref name="similarartists">{{cite web| url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/testament-mn0000751910/related |title=Testament – Similar Artists |publisher=allmusic.com |access-date=January 28, 2018}}</ref><ref name="mcall">{{cite web|url=https://www.mcall.com/entertainment/lehigh-valley-music/mc-ent-top-3-concerts-0922-20220920-mpt2w77ejfblnmulnnizpbbvgu-story.html|title=Top 3 Lehigh Valley area concerts: Phil Vassar, Testament, and Andy Montanez|publisher=[[The Morning Call]]|access-date=October 12, 2022|date=September 20, 2022}}</ref><ref name="thisisreno">{{cite web|url=https://thisisreno.com/calendar/#!/details/testament-kreator-with-special-guests-possessed/13522194/2024-09-12T19|title=Top 3 Lehigh Valley area concerts: Phil Vassar, Testament, and Andy Montanez|website=thisisreno.com|access-date=September 28, 2024}}</ref><ref name="grandsierraresort">{{cite web|url=https://www.grandsierraresort.com/entertainment/concerts-and-shows/testament-and-kreator|title=Testament and Kreator - Grand Sierra Resort|website=[[Grand Sierra Resort]]|access-date=September 28, 2024}}</ref> [[Sepultura]],{{r|tonedeaf|similarartists}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/andreas-kisser-how-testament-influenced-sepultura/|title=ANDREAS KISSER: How TESTAMENT Influenced SEPULTURA|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=February 1, 2022|access-date=February 2, 2022}}</ref> Death Angel,{{r|similarartists}} [[Annihilator (band)|Annihilator]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gkgrock.com/entrevistas/entrevistaannihilator2010ingles.html |title=Interview Annihilator - GKGRock.com |publisher=gkgrock.com |date=April 2, 2009 |access-date=January 28, 2018}}</ref> [[White Zombie (band)|White Zombie]],{{r|tonedeaf|similarartists}}<ref name="mcall"/> [[Korn]],{{r|similarartists}}<ref name="thisisreno"/><ref name="grandsierraresort"/> [[Machine Head (band)|Machine Head]],<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/machine-head-mn0000221445/related |title=Machine Head – Similar Artists |publisher=allmusic.com |access-date=August 27, 2019}}</ref> [[Limp Bizkit]],<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Turman |first=Katherine |date=June 1998 |title=Wild, Wild Wes |magazine=Maximum Guitar |pages=16 }}</ref> [[Drowning Pool]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://manchesterrocks.webs.com/apps/blog/show/23963135-interview-with-drowning-pool-guitarist-c-j-pierce |title=Interview With Drowning Pool Guitarist C.J. Pierce |publisher=Manchester Rocks |date=February 22, 2013 |access-date=January 28, 2018 |archive-date=November 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110202459/http://manchesterrocks.webs.com/apps/blog/show/23963135-interview-with-drowning-pool-guitarist-c-j-pierce |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Kataklysm]],<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/kataklysm-mn0000855377/related |title=Kataklysm – Similar Artists |publisher=allmusic.com |access-date=August 27, 2019}}</ref><ref name="givememetal"/> [[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/lamb-of-god-s-chris-adler-comments-on-testament-guest-appearance/ |title=LAMB OF GOD's CHRIS ADLER Comments On TESTAMENT Guest Appearance |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=June 27, 2011 |access-date=January 28, 2018}}</ref><ref name="givememetal"/> [[Morbid Angel]],{{r|similarartists}}<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/morbid-angel-mn0000928351/related |title=Morbid Angel – Similar Artists |publisher=allmusic.com |access-date=January 28, 2018}}</ref> [[Cannibal Corpse]],{{r|tonedeaf|similarartists}} [[Entombed (band)|Entombed]],{{r|similarartists}} [[Gojira (band)|Gojira]],{{r|similarartists}}<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/gojira-mn0000721409/related |title=Gojira – Similar Artists |publisher=allmusic.com |access-date=January 28, 2018}}</ref><ref name="mcall"/> [[Killswitch Engage]],{{r|similarartists}}<ref name="UG influences">{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/community_feed/tour_rumor_testament_killswitch_engage_terror_anthrax_sevendust_and_suicidal_tendencies.html|title=Tour Rumor: Testament, Killswitch Engage, Terror, Anthrax, Sevendust and Suicidal Tendencies|publisher=Ultimate-Guitar.com|date=April 30, 2018|access-date=April 30, 2018}}</ref><ref name="mcall"/> [[Exhorder]],{{r|similarartists}} [[Havok (band)|Havok]],<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/havok-mn0002717160/related |title=Havok – Similar Artists |publisher=allmusic.com |access-date=August 27, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://metalassault.com/Interviews/2013/11/21/interview-with-havok-frontman-david-sanchez/ |title=Interview With Havok Frontman David Sanchez – Metal Assault: Interviews |publisher=metalassault.com |date=November 21, 2013 |access-date=January 28, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.queensofsteel.com/2005/07/havok-eng/ |title=HAVOK (Eng.) – Queens of Steel |publisher=queensofsteel.com |date=July 2, 2015 |access-date=January 28, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/25733-havoks-david-sanchez-and-reece-scruggs-guardians-of-the-riff |title=Havok's David Sanchez and Reece Scruggs: Guardians of the Riff |publisher=premierguitar.com |date=May 26, 2017 |access-date=January 28, 2018}}</ref><ref name="givememetal"/> [[Evile]],<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/evile-mn0000640149/related |title=Evile – Similar Artists |publisher=allmusic.com |access-date=August 27, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://metalassault.com/Interviews/2013/11/21/interview-with-havok-frontman-david-sanchez/ |title=Evile – Lead Guitarist Ol Drake |publisher=metal-rules.com |date=November 24, 2006 |access-date=January 28, 2018}}</ref><ref name="givememetal"/> [[Blind Guardian]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://metalkings.com/reviews/blind-guardian/blind-guardian.htm |title=Markus Siepen Interview |publisher=Metalkings.com |access-date=January 28, 2018 |archive-date=January 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129140623/http://metalkings.com/reviews/blind-guardian/blind-guardian.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Sevendust]],{{r|similarartists|UG influences}}<ref name="givememetal"/><ref name="mcall"/> [[Suicidal Angels]],<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/suicidal-angels-mn0002091747/related |title=Suicidal Angels – Similar Artists |publisher=allmusic.com |access-date=August 27, 2019}}</ref> [[Trivium (band)|Trivium]],<ref name="givememetal"/> [[Nightwish]],{{r|similarartists}}<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/nightwish-mn0000868628/related |title=Nightwish – Similar Artists |publisher=allmusic.com |access-date=January 28, 2018}}</ref> [[Shadows Fall]],{{r|similarartists}} [[Terror (band)|Terror]],{{r|similarartists|UG influences}} [[Unearth]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/unearth-comments-on-upcoming-north-american-tour-with-testament/ |title=UNEARTH Comments On Upcoming North American Tour With TESTAMENT |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=April 2, 2009 |access-date=January 28, 2018}}</ref> [[Skeletonwitch]],<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/skeletonwitch-mn0000609732/related |title=Skeletonwitch – Similar Artists |publisher=allmusic.com |access-date=August 27, 2019}}</ref> [[Warbringer]],{{r|similarartists}} [[Primal Fear (band)|Primal Fear]],<ref name="givememetal"/> [[Fight (band)|Fight]],<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/fight-mn0000177690/related |title=Fight – Similar Artists |publisher=allmusic.com |access-date=January 28, 2018}}</ref> [[Sons of Texas]],{{r|similarartists}} [[Incite (band)|Incite]],<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/incite-mn0002137338/related |title=Incite – Similar Artists |publisher=allmusic.com |access-date=August 27, 2019}}</ref> [[Demolition Hammer]],<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/demolition-hammer-mn0000200481/related |title=Demolition Hammer – Similar Artists |publisher=allmusic.com |access-date=August 27, 2019}}</ref> and [[Forced Entry (band)|Forced Entry]].<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/forced-entry-mn0000737852/related |title=Forced Entry – Similar Artists |publisher=allmusic.com |access-date=August 27, 2019}}</ref>

In the video for [[Bowling for Soup]]'s "[[Punk Rock 101]]", guitarist and vocalist [[Jaret Reddick]] can be seen wearing a Testament t-shirt.{{cn|date=February 2025}}

==Band members==
[[file:Testament Party.San Metal Open Air 2019 10.jpg|thumb|Guitarists Alex Skolnick and Eric Peterson performing in 2019.]]
{{main|List of Testament members}}
'''Current members'''
* Eric Peterson – rhythm and lead guitar, backing vocals  {{small|(1983–present)}}
* [[Alex Skolnick]] – lead and rhythm guitar, backing vocals  {{small|(1985–1992, 2005–present)}}
* [[Chuck Billy]] – lead vocals {{small|(1986–present)}}
* [[Steve Di Giorgio]] – bass {{small|(1998–2005, 2014–present)}}, backing vocals {{small|(2014–present)}}
* Chris Dovas – drums {{small|(2022, 2023–present)}}

==Discography==
{{main|Testament discography}}
* ''[[The Legacy (album)|The Legacy]]'' (1987)
* ''[[The New Order (album)|The New Order]]'' (1988)
* ''[[Practice What You Preach]]'' (1989)
* ''[[Souls of Black]]'' (1990)
* ''[[The Ritual (Testament album)|The Ritual]]'' (1992)
* ''[[Low (Testament album)|Low]]'' (1994)
* ''[[Demonic (album)|Demonic]]'' (1997)
* ''[[The Gathering (Testament album)|The Gathering]]'' (1999)
* ''[[First Strike Still Deadly]]'' (2001)<!-- Read the hidden note below before you remove this album from this section. -->
* ''[[The Formation of Damnation]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Dark Roots of Earth]]'' (2012)
* ''[[Brotherhood of the Snake]]'' (2016)
* ''[[Titans of Creation]]'' (2020)
<!-- DO NOT add the live albums, compilation albums, DVDs, etc. here. They belong in the Testament discography page. This section is supposed to include only their studio albums. Also, DO NOT remove "First Strike Still Deadly"; although "First Strike Is Deadly" is technically a collection of re-recorded music, it can still be classified as a studio album as the music was recorded in the studio. -->

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Testament}}
* {{Official website|http://www.testamentlegions.com}}
* {{allmusic}}

{{Testament}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1983 establishments in California]]
[[Category:Heavy metal musical groups from California]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1983]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Berkeley, California]]
[[Category:Musical groups from the San Francisco Bay Area]]
[[Category:Musical quintets from California]]
[[Category:Nuclear Blast artists]]
[[Category:Testament (band)| ]]
[[Category:Thrash metal musical groups from California]]