TESTAMENT vocalist Chuck Billy has offered a compelling glimpse into the band’s creative future, revealing that a follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2020 album, "Titans of Creation" (often referred to by fans and the band as "Para Bellum" due to its lyrical themes), is not only in the works but is progressing at an accelerated pace. In a recent interview on the "Appetite For Distortion" podcast, Billy detailed a significantly invigorated songwriting process involving guitarist Eric Peterson and drummer Chris Dovas, suggesting a potential shift towards a more consistent release schedule for new material.
Accelerated Songwriting Pace Signals New Era for TESTAMENT
"Writing with Eric Peterson and Chris Dovas now, just really delivering a lot of tunes right now," Billy stated during the podcast, as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET. "We’re in a good place where we’re probably gonna deliver records every couple of years instead of every four years at this pace right now, which is a good thing for us." This statement marks a notable departure from TESTAMENT’s historical release patterns, which have often seen intervals of three to five years between studio albums. The band’s discography, spanning over three decades, has showcased a commitment to quality over quantity, but this newfound creative momentum suggests a desire to capitalize on their current artistic synergy.
The impetus for this accelerated output, according to Billy, stems from a conscious effort to remain relevant and inspired within the ever-evolving landscape of heavy music. "For us, where we’re at in our life and our careers, there’s a lot of new bands, a lot of new music coming up," he explained. "‘Cause we get inspired by what new bands and people are doing. We can’t go out and be that, because we don’t wanna mimic it, but we can definitely be inspired by it, and I think we’ve done that kind of in our last record. Some of those songs have a more modern flair, just of the influence, I guess." This acknowledgment of external influences, while maintaining their core identity, is a key indicator of the band’s strategic approach to their continued legacy.
Influence of Modern Death and Black Metal on TESTAMENT’s Sound
When pressed about specific contemporary artists influencing their creative direction, Billy pointed to the burgeoning death metal and black metal scenes as significant catalysts. He highlighted the contributions of drummer Chris Dovas, whose passion for extreme metal genres appears to be shaping the band’s sonic exploration. "Well, some of those songs, especially with Chris, he’ll bring it to Eric, more bands like LORNA SHORE or more real death stuff," Billy elaborated. "Chris really loves his death metal, and he likes playing fast. And Eric loves black metal and loves playing fast, so it’s a good combination for the two of them because Eric loves that way and Chris loves to play that way."
This potent combination of influences, blending Dovas’s affinity for intricate and aggressive death metal with Peterson’s penchant for the atmospheric and rapid-fire elements of black metal, appears to be a fertile ground for new TESTAMENT material. "So it’s a good marriage to what they’re doing, and it doesn’t take long for Eric and Chris to mold out a song," Billy noted. "They’re just really in a good writing groove right now." The efficiency of their collaboration is underscored by the fact that the duo has already presented him with a substantial collection of potential tracks. "So I think they got maybe good close to nine tracks for the next TESTAMENT album that they brought over to me to start listening to. So we’re way ahead of the game."
The prospect of recording a new album as early as next summer has been put forth as a tentative goal. "Hopefully, I think next summer is our goal to get in to start recording the record. So we’ll see what happens from now until then," Billy stated. This timeline suggests a focused and determined effort to bring new music to their fanbase in a timely manner, a welcome development for long-time followers.
Balancing Innovation with Traditional TESTAMENT Identity
Billy also delved into the band’s ongoing challenge of musical experimentation without alienating their established sound. He articulated a mature perspective on their creative evolution, emphasizing that the need to prove themselves through sheer aggression has been replaced by a desire to explore new artistic avenues driven by genuine inspiration. "In our music, I think we’re beyond trying to prove a point. When you’re a younger band, you’re playing hard and fast and give it your best shot right now," he reflected. "People are listening. We wrote a lot of records and a lot of songs where it’s more about writing for what really inspires us or makes us feel good, or especially when we’re trying new things that we haven’t done before, especially on these last couple of records."
This introspective approach extends to his own vocal performances. "So especially vocally I’m trying some new stuff, finding some new voices and tones that I haven’t used, which I think’s pretty cool after 40 years to still be able to be pushed to an uncomfortable spot, but still to be pushed to something where it’s being creative for us and for me as a vocalist, trying different things, which is fun," Billy shared. This dedication to personal growth and artistic exploration, even decades into his career, speaks volumes about his commitment to TESTAMENT’s continued relevance.
The process of integrating modern influences is a delicate balancing act. "It’s kind of exciting to, like, ‘Okay, well, what else can I do or push to?’ And then take those newer bands that are influencing us, just real heavy shit, going, ‘Okay, well, how can I incorporate some of the stuff that is happening now?’, that people are loving, which I used to do in the past, that I could still do, and maybe try to cross it together with what I did and what people are doing," he articulated. The hope, he admitted, is that this fusion will resonate with their audience: "Maybe it’d strike a nerve a little. I don’t know."
Historical Context of "Titans of Creation" and Recent Activities
The forthcoming album will follow "Titans of Creation," which was released in April 2020 via Nuclear Blast Records. That album was recorded with Juan Urteaga and mixed by Jens Bogren, with cover art once again provided by Eliran Kantor. The initial announcement of "Titans of Creation" in August 2020 was accompanied by the music video for the lead single, "Nightmare of the Infinite."
A significant element in the creation of "Titans of Creation" was the addition of drummer Chris Dovas, who replaced Gene Hoglan. Dovas’s precise drumming, speed, and dynamic sensibility were widely praised for injecting a fresh energy into the album. His active involvement in the songwriting process alongside Peterson was instrumental in shaping the album’s structures, streamlining production, and infusing it with a contemporary edge without sacrificing the quintessential TESTAMENT sound.
In the interim between album cycles, TESTAMENT has remained active on the touring circuit. This past spring, the band concluded the U.S. leg of their "Thrash Of The Titans" world tour. This extensive trek, which commenced in March, featured co-headlining performances alongside fellow thrash metal titans OVERKILL and DESTRUCTION, a testament to TESTAMENT’s enduring status within the genre and their continued appeal to live audiences. The success of these tours further fuels the band’s creative drive and provides valuable real-world feedback that can indirectly influence their studio output.
Implications and Future Outlook for TESTAMENT
The accelerated songwriting pace and the explicit mention of contemporary death and black metal influences suggest that TESTAMENT is strategically positioning themselves to engage with a broader spectrum of metal enthusiasts. By incorporating elements of modern extreme music, they risk alienating some of their more traditional thrash metal purists. However, the band’s stated intention to be "inspired" rather than to "mimic" indicates a thoughtful approach to integration. This could manifest in subtle rhythmic shifts, more complex harmonic structures, or even stylistic nods in vocal delivery, all within the recognizable framework of TESTAMENT’s established sonic identity.
The fact that Dovas and Peterson are already collaborating so productively bodes well for the band’s future. Their synergy, fueled by a shared passion for fast-paced and technically proficient music, could lead to material that is both challenging and accessible. Billy’s willingness to experiment vocally further underscores the band’s commitment to evolution. After nearly four decades, the ability to push creative boundaries and remain artistically vital is a rare feat, and TESTAMENT appears to be embracing this challenge head-on.
The potential for a more frequent release schedule could also signify a shift in the band’s overall strategy, perhaps aiming to maintain a stronger presence in the contemporary music discourse. In an era where album cycles can be prolonged, a commitment to delivering new material every two years would be a significant change for TESTAMENT and a welcome development for their dedicated fanbase eager for fresh output. The coming months will undoubtedly reveal more about the direction and specific sonic explorations that will define TESTAMENT’s next chapter. The band’s continued ability to innovate while honoring their legacy suggests a robust and exciting future.
