In late September 2008, it was announced that Testament would embark on the “Priest Feast” European tour with headliners Judas Priest and Megadeth in February and March 2009.[13] On March 25, 2009, Testament played a special One Night Only show at the O2 Islington Academy in London, where they played the first two albums (The Legacy and The New Order) back to back with thrashcore band Sylosis in support. Also in 2009, Testament set out on a 6 week tour across the U.S. 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; Alex Skolnick did not participate in that tour, due to personal reasons (Glen Drover filled in for him). In August, Testament toured Australia.[14] Testament also headlined for the first time in the Philippines for the annual PULP Summer Slam on April 17, 2010 with heavy metal band Lamb of God.
[edit] The Dark Roots of Earth (2010–present)
As early as 2009, Testament commenced writing new material for their tenth album. In an interview with Metalheadz, guitarist Eric 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.”[13] In a January 2011 interview during the 70000 Tons of Metal cruise, frontman Chuck Billy revealed that Testament has been working on six new songs and four or five “maybe left to write” and then begin recording their new album by the end of February or early March.[15] On May 18, 2011, guitarist Alex 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.”[16]
Testament began recording their new album on June 20, 2011. Paul Bostaph was unable to take part in the recording due to a “serious injury”; however, he was expected to rejoin when the band tours to support the album. Gene Hoglan, who played drums on the band’s 1997 album Demonic, filled in for Paul on the drum tracks. It was also reported that Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler will make a special guest appearance on a couple of bonus tracks.[17]
Testament appeared at the California dates of the summer 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, replacing In Flames.[18]
On July 14, 2011, it was announced that the tenth Testament studio album would be called The Dark Roots of Earth, which is supposedly due for release on April 27, 2012.[19] Prior to the album’s release, the band toured in the fall of 2011 with Anthrax and Death Angel.[20] Overkill was invited to the tour, but due to the pre-production of their next album, they did not participate.[21] It was announced on December 1st that Paul Bostaph left Testament. The band has yet to decide on who their new drummer will be, though as of February 2012, Hoglan is currently touring with the band.
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