INTERVIEW – TESTAMENT’S CHUCK BILLY EXPLAINES NEW ALBUM AND PLANS FOR 2016/2017

Posted on May 24, 2016 by Oran

What ever your thoughts are on the ‘Big Four’ of the thrash metal sub-genre, there is absolutely no question as to the importance of TESTAMENT when it comes to reviewing the history of thrash. Having to contend with somewhat of a cult status, the Bay Area five piece have been releasing quality albums since the bands creation back in the mid 80’s. Now in 2016, we await with baited breath, for a new TESTAMENT album, which is due for release sometime around September. Overdrive had the pleasure of talking with Chuck Billy about what we can expect from the band over the next year or so..

In this recent interview with Testament vocalist Chuck Billy, we discuss the bands new album which he reveals will be titled The Brotherhood of the Snake and gives a projected release date for September of 2016.

We also spoke about the reasoning behind the bands decision on the album title, which Chuck explains is part of the beginnings of the secret society, “there is a real connection between aliens and religion on this record, there are some fascinating shows that I have been watching that about this stuff” he says. ” I was raised as a catholic and as I have grown older and see other religions and beliefs and the connections between sightings of aliens and hieroglyphics on walls, books and writings, it just all made me think that there is a real connection between all of those things”.

On returning back to work with Andy Sneap. “Andy is definitely going to be mixing the recording, we are very confident in working with Andy as he really knows our sound and how we work”.

On the possibility of Dublin Death Patrol reuniting “DDP was only supposed to be a project that some friends could get together and have fun”, he says. ” We ended up making two records and finally ended up opening up for Heaven & Hell, which was really the biggest moment for the band. We figured that it wasn’t going to get any better than that and might as call it a day from this moment”.

Get the full audio interview on the link below!

The band will be will be returning to our UK soil next month to play an extra two UK show dates in Oxford and London, as part of a four date long UK run. This run will take the thrash icons to Oxford, Leamington Spa and Southampton – culminating in a special Thrash’n’Bowl show at the Brooklyn Bowl, London. There will be special VIP/bowling with the band tickets available for this event!

Testament have been working hard in the studio over the past year on the follow up to 2012 Dark Roots Of Earth.

Their new record is due for release this summer via Nuclear Blast, stay tuned for more details…

You can see Testament live at the following UK shows:

(inc. ticket links)

19th June – Oxford, O2 Academy

21st June – Leamington Spa, The Assembly

22nd June – Southampton, Engine Rooms

23rd June – London, Thrash’n’Bowl @ Brooklyn Bowl

There will be 96 VIP/bowling with the band tickets tickets available for the Thrash’n’Bowl event at Brooklyn Bowl.

Oran O’Beirne

© OVERDRIVE 2016