Whenever the time-honoured, if ultimately pointless “if it had been a Big Five…” question raises its ugly head, Bay Area bruisers Testament always find themselves at the forefront of the conversation. Even alongside names such as Exodus, Overkill, and Kreator, such is their… ahem, legacy (sorry), it’s not uncommon to find them as one of the top two preferred choices.Continue reading
In a statement to fans, Testament has announced that vocalist Chuck Billy has tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. Billy had “been feeling unwell” since returning home to the San Francisco Bay Area last week following the completion of “The Bay Strikes Back 2020” European tour with Exodus and Death Angel. The 57-year-old Billy, who didn’t reveal if he had any idea how he contracted the virus, says he has been quarantined since arriving home. Other members of “The Bay Strikes Back 2020” tour that has reported illness are Exodus founder Gary Holt and Death Angel drummer Will Carroll who is in the ICU in San Francisco and said to be very ill. Continue reading
Gary Holt has made a public post making a please for fans to send best wishes and good vibes to Death Angel’s drummer, Will Carroll, who is “very ill” in an intensive care unit at a Northern California hospital. Gary previously posted that he was exhibiting all the symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic, keeping him and his wife Lisa in quarantine. Gary’s band Exodus, just came back from the Bay Strikes Back tour with both Death Angel and Testament as the headliner, Will’s fiancée Leeshawn Navarro checked in from San Francisco’s California Pacific Medical Center on Wednesday (March 18) to say that she brought him to the emergency room because he has been “very sick” since returning from a European tour earlier in the month. She also asked his friends to send him “positive healing thoughts.”. Will is also a host on Gimmie Radio and one of the greatest guys in the business. We hope he makes a full recovery soon.
Sad news for German Thrash Metal fans! Tonight’s concert (March 11th) in Hannover, Germany featuring Testament, Exodus and Death Angel (a.k.a. The Bay Strikes Back tour) has been canceled due to a fast-spreading outbreak of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19). The three bands, who have spent the past month on the road in Europe as part of “The Bay Strikes Back 2020” tour, previously had their February 25 show in Milan, Italy scrapped for the same reason. You can see our review of the tour here. Testament posted on Facebook:
Thrash Metal legends Testament have shared a new single, ‘Children Of The Next Level’ from their forthcoming Titans Of Creation, which will be released on April 3 via Nuclear Blast. Jam out to the song now! The album was produced by singer Chuck Billy and guitarist Eric Peterson while Juan Urteaga of Trident Studios handled co-producing, recording and engineering. Andy Sneap was responsible for the mixing and mastering of the album. Eliran Kantor stepped up once again to create a new masterpiece of artwork for the cover of this release. The band is currently on its The Bay Strikes Back tour with Exodus and Death Angel! Watch the video now! Continue reading
It’s a little surprising to discover that, despite having known each other for over thirty years, Testament, Exodus, and Death Angel; three leading lights of the Bay Area thrash metal scene have never actually been on the road together before. Dubbed “The Bay Strikes Back”, the first UK date of this neck-snapping triple bill is located, rather appropriately, near the water. Okay, the Bristol Channel might not be the Pacific Ocean, and the Clifton Suspension Bridge might not be quite as impressive as the Golden Gate Bridge, but you can’t have everything now can you.Continue reading
Heavy Metal and Thrash legends Heathen will release a new album, Empire Of The Blind, later this year via Nuclear Blast Records. A flyer showing the “Empire Of The Blind” artwork can be found at the merchandise table during “The Bay Strikes Back” 2020 European tour featuring Testament, Death Angel, and Exodus, the latter of which includes Heathen guitarist Lee Altus.Continue reading
Opeth has collaborated on an amazing new line of Hockey-themed merch with great lifestyle wear brand Puck HCKY. Other bands that have merch made through the brand include Anthrax, Cannibal Corpse, Devin Townsend, Meshiggah, Overkill, Snoop Dogg, Less Than Jake, Exodus, Testament, Darkest Hour, 36 Crazyfists, Doyle, All Hail The Yeti and more! Continue reading
Although formed in 1984, Heathen didn’t arrive on most people’s radars until the release of their debut album, Breaking the Silence (Combat Records) in 1987. Part of the legendary Bay Area Thrash scene, Heathen followed established acts such as Exodus and some bunch of relocated no-hopers called Metallica out of the region, joining the likes of fast-moving up-and-comers Testament, Vio-Lence, Death Angel, and Forbidden, among many others.Continue reading
House of Blues, Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV 8/18/19
The 70000 Tons Of Metal is right around the corner, kicking off next week, and have confirmed some late additions to the cruise. Setting sail with the current bands on the bill and the fans are Vio-Lence, Ross The Boss, Seven Witches, Toxik, Aeternam and Brujeria. Round X (10) of 70000 Tons Of Metal will sail January 7 to January 11, 2020.Continue reading