
Testament was founded in 1983 in the Bay Area under the name Legacy and grew into one of the absolute cornerstones of thrash metal, alongside bands like Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth. Their debut The Legacy (1987) is considered a classic of the genre and set the tone for their trademark mix of aggressive riffs, technical precision and high speed. Over the years, the band has remained relevant with an impressive discography and a strong live reputation. Their fourteenth studio album Para Bellum was released on October 10, 2025 and combines classic thrash with influences from death and black metal. With tracks like Infanticide A.I., Testament proves that even after four decades they still sound hungry and innovative.
Fun facts:
- Para Bellum reached top positions in metal charts worldwide shortly after its release.
- Singer Chuck Billy and guitarist Eric Peterson have formed the backbone of the band for decades.
- Testament is often cited as one of the most technically skilled bands of the original thrash generation.
- The band has been touring worldwide for over 40 years and still plays both club shows and major festivals.



