They're the titans of thrash who fiercely cleaved a legacy of success and persistence since their eruption during the infamous second wave of thrash metal in the late 80s. And while change, occasional failures and actual fights for life have weaved their way through the Testament story over the years, one thing has eternally remained: a lust for great music and a desire to subvert the inevitable expectations laden upon a group who sprung out of the Bay City area in the wake of the Metallica steam train.
For a group originally named Legacy (only changing to avoid treading on the toes of another local band), the irony of the eventual lasting saga of the modern-day Testament is perhaps not one that would've been predicted back in those early years - but nonetheless it is one that covers millions of album sales, an eye-watering amount of live shows (including alongside fellow thrash lords and longtime collaborators Slayer) and soon to be thirteenth full-length albums, with lucky #13 Titans Of Creation officially dropping this April 3 via Nuclear Blast.
But before the new album release, the group are also bringing their brawling tunes down under jumping onstage in Sydney and Melbourne for Download Festival this March, plus a special side-show for Brisbane thrown into the mix. And to get well and truly into the Testament spirit before they hit our shores, Tiana Speter caught some time with drum king Gene Hoglan to chat Aussie shows, Aussie accents and how he came full circle with Aussie Download's 2019 headliner Slayer. Grab a listen below!
CATCH TESTAMENT IN ACTION THIS MARCH WHEN THEY HEAD DOWN UNDER FOR DOWNLOAD + THEIR BRISSIE SIDESHOW
PLUS! KEEP YOUR EYES AND EARS AT THE READY FOR THEIR BRAND NEW ALBUM TITANS OF CREATION DUE OUT APRIL 3, ITUNES PRE-SALE AVAILABLE HERE & ALL OTHER TESTAMENT INFO HERE
BY TIANA SPETER