Nick Barker Joins Atrocity And Leaves' Eyes

The new drummer of ATROCITY and LEAVES' EYES is Nick Barker, who has previously played with CRADLE OF FILTH, DIMMU BORGIR and TESTAMENT. Says ATROCITY/LEAVES' EYES vocalist/producer Alex Krull, "It's with great pleasure that we can announce Nick Barker is joining the ATROCITY and LEAVES' EYES family! We always were great fans of his way of drumming, and we are happy that we will kick some ass in the future together! Nick was our No. 1 choice! When we heard he would join us, we invited him right away!"

Here's a short interview with Nick Barker about his decision to join the two bands:

Q: Nick, how long do you know Alex and the guys of ATROCITY and LEAVES' EYES?

Nick: "I've known ATROCITY for many years, I think the first time we met was on the DEICIDE/ATROCITY tour in 1992 when I was the drum tech for support band CANCER, and since that time we've always ran into each other on the European summer festival circuit during the years that followed. Whenever I would play in the Stuttgart area with any of my previous bands, some of the guys would always be there and show their support."

Q: How did it come about that you joined the two bands now?

Nick: "Alex approached me at the Metal Hammer award ceremony in London last June (2007) and said that he was looking for a drummer that could handle the complexity and savagery of ATROCITY as well as the softer, more groove-laden beauty of LEAVES' EYES, and he thought I could be the right man to do both jobs. I had some prior commitments and obligations to fulfil at that time, but we spoke over the Christmas period and arranged for me to come to Stuttgart and audition; everything was fantastic both musically and from a social and personal aspect."

Q: How do you like the music of both bands? They are quite different from each other.

Nick: "I absolutely love the diversity of both bands. With ATROCITY, you have such brutal songs from the 'Atlantis' album such as 'Reich Of Phenomena', 'Apocaplyse' and 'Clash Of Titans', which I can't wait to play live and sink my teeth into. Then, on the other hand, you have LEAVES' EYES, which for me is something very new and very exciting as a drummer coming from a mainly black/death metal background. Liv has the most beautiful voice in the whole world within this genre, and the music is very moving, beautifully crafted and almost spiritual."

Q: You just jammed the first time with the guys at Mastersound Studio. How was it? What are your impressions?

Nick: "When I first arrived at Mastersound Studios, my first impression was 'WOW!!!' I had no idea of the sheer scale of dedication, time, money and professionalism that had been invested into the studio itself. Over the years, I have been in many first-class recording studios myself, but I have to say, Mastersound is a cut above the rest.The whole band were extremely friendly and there was an overwhelming sense of 'family' among them all, which made me feel very relaxed and at ease almost immediately. We jammed some classic songs by METALLICA, SLAYER and MORBID ANGEL to warm up before concentrating on the more serious matters of LEAVES' EYES and ATROCITY, and like I said earlier, everything was fantastic, both musically and socially."

Q: What are you going to do next with the two bands?

Nick: "Next up is a video shoot with ATROCITY in Berlin next month for the 'Werk 80 II' album, and then in March, LEAVES' EYES will play in Mexico City. April we will be working our asses off writing songs for the new LEAVES' EYES record in the brand new, relocated Mastersound studios. In May, LEAVES' EYES and ATROCITY will tour Asia (China, Taiwan, etc) for the first time ever. Upon our return from the Orient, we will continue to work hard on the new record, which is planned for an autumn 2008 release."

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Testament Guitarist Talks About New Album

Guitarist Eric Peterson of the veteran San Francisco Bay Area thrashers TESTAMENT recently spoke to Decibel magazine about the group's forthcoming album, "The Formation of Damnation", due in North America on April 29 via Nuclear Blast Records.

The band recently spent time recording the effort with producer Andy Sneap (MACHINE HEAD, EXODUS, ARCH ENEMY, NEVERMORE) at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California.

"The album is very traditional-sounding," Peterson told Decibel. "The ideology of what we're doing is like 'The Legacy' [1987]. But the musicianship's a lot better, so it's like 'The Gathering' [1999]. As most bands record their first, second and third albums, they're developing, developing, developing… until they've got their sound. Then they get worse. As a rule, you get good when you're starving and start slipping as soon as you're eating well. We never really made it to the big time. But, then again, we didn't fail. Because we've always been on that borderline, we've never had to make the kinds of compromises that end up killing so many bands. As we see it, we're better off doing what we do best, especially since things seem to have turned full circle. Kids even have long hair again."

TESTAMENT recently recruited Paul Bostaph (SLAYER, EXODUS, FORBIDDEN, SYSTEMATIC) to play the drums on new CD. The group was previously rehearsing and writing new material with British drummer Nick Barker (CRADLE OF FILTH, DIMMU BORGIR), but Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and international work visa issues have prevented Barker from continuing to be involved in the project.

Bostaph, who was a member of TESTAMENT for a brief period starting around February 2004, had previously played several live dates with the group in 1992 and appeared on the band's 1993 live EP, "Return to the Apocalyptic City". He also toured with TESTAMENT in 2006.

TESTAMENT's current lineup is rounded out by Chuck Billy on vocals, Alex Skolnick on lead guitar and Greg Christian on bass.

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Testament Confirmed For Chicago Powerfest 2008

Bay Area thrash legends TESTAMENT have just been confirmed for Chicago Powerfest 2008, set to take place on May 1-3 at The Pearl Room in Mokena, IL. Testament, who's current line-up includes original members Chuck Billy, Alex Skolnick, Eric Peterson, and Greg Christian along with recently recruited Paul Bostaph, will also be performing in support of their new album, The Formation Of Damnation, due for release in North America on April 29, 2008.

Commented festival organizers, CRJ Productions: "The news came just in time for Christmas, and made the holidays that much better for us considering how long we've been trying to make this happen! It's been several years since the Legion has pummelled a Chicago area venue and we're all very hungry to see them do it once again! Their last Chicago area headlining performance was in 1999...although, it's been much longer since they've played here with Alex Skolnick, so this should give Midwest fans something to get really excited about."

More updates, including ticket information coming soon. For current details regarding Powerfest, visit www.ChicagoPowerfest.com.

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Nuclear Blast Extends Century Family Contract

Founded in Donzdorf, Germany in 1987, ranked #11 in the "Top 20 Rock/Metal Labels" and #41 in the "Top 50 Labels" charts by Hit Quarters in 2007, Nuclear Blast Records has extended its production and distribution deal with The Century Family, Inc. for the United States.

From his office in Germany, Nuclear Blast label owner and President Markus Staiger had this to say about the continued two-year contract renewal:

"We are very thrilled to continue our work with the Century Family. It is great that 2 metal companies can work together so close without any problems and fun to have such professional and nice people in the U.S. working for us! Be sure to expect a great year in 2008 for NUCLEAR BLAST and Century Media. NUCLEAR BLAST will release new titles from MESHUGGAH, DIMMU BORGIR, KATAKLYSM, KORPIKLAANI, THREAT SIGNAL, ALL SHALL PERSIH, DEATH ANGEL, HYPOCRISY, IMMORTAL, and EXODUS, as well as a stunning new album from TESTAMENT and AVANTASIA's third album The Scarecrow (featuring members of KISS, SCORPIONS, MAGNUM, Jorn Lande, and more), along with some IN FLAMES re-releases, too. Also, keep an eye out for our new U.S. signings - they are all young, fresh and brutal new acts with tremendous new albums. Among these is SUCCESS WILL WRITE APOCALYPSE ACROSS THE SKY who play brutal Florida Grind-Death Metal! Big thanks goes to the NB U.S.A. Team, Century Media, and our distributor Caroline/EMI. Special THANKS to our great metal fans!"

Since 2000, Nuclear Blast has maintained U.S. staff and operations in Los Angeles via a successful and long-running production and distribution deal with The Century Family, Inc., parent of Century Media Records. Century Media currently maintains a distribution deal with Caroline/EMI which it manages for Nuclear Blast under the arrangement.

States Century Media CEO Oliver Withoeft:

"Nuclear Blast and Century Media are looking forward to an even closer cooperation in 2008. The new year will prove to be a decisive year for the music industry, and we will continue to be at the forefront of setting trends in Metal. Our customers will be pleased to learn that we will expand our offers beyond the traditional ways of selling music."

2007 has been a year of distinction for Nuclear Blast in both Europe and North America. In addition to hosting a celebratory 20 year anniversary festival in Stuttgart this past October in the presence of over 6,000 metal fans, various 2007 releases made extremely noteworthy entries onto the Billboard charts.

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Testament Announces New Album Release Date

Bay Area thrash legends TESTAMENT have confirmed the release date for their forthcoming album, "The Formation Of Damnation," as April 29th via Nuclear Blast.

Testament are currently putting the finishing touches to the album at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California with producer Andy Sneap (MACHINE HEAD, EXODUS). Testament 2007 features the originating classic thrash legends Chuck Billy on vocals, Alex Skolnick on lead guitar, Eric Peterson on rhythm guitar and Greg Christian on bass. Paul Bostaph (ex-SLAYER, EXODUS) was recently named as the band's drummer.

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Gene Hoglan To Play With Forbidden

Legendary drummer Gene Hoglan (DARK ANGEL, DEATH, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, TESTAMENT) has issued the following update:

"I'm currently in Stockholm, Sweden, after just returning from a highly successful and awesome string of dates in Italy with my bitches, MELDRUM.

"I'd like to say a big thank you and hello to all our friends and fans who came to the shows; you guys are great! I must admit, your women are beautiful, but I had to travel all the way to Italy to eat the worst pizza ever. Not once, but twice! But another thank you must go out to our promoter/hosts, Gianrico and the lovely Fiorenza. And, I do need to thank my MELDRUM bitches for taking such good care of me over there. I was like a spoiled kid most of the time, so my heart and thanks go out to them for lookin' out for me.

"And let me tell ya, a week on the road turns them bitches HORNY! Their palpable lust for Mandingo was replaced with one for Rocco Siffredi, and one could only imagine the pillow fights and hot-oil rubdowns that occured in their hotel rooms on a nightly basis. That's what girlies do every night, right? Hee hee. I don't know, but these bitches were smart, they got me my own room every night, probably 'cuz the only thing I do louder than play drums is SLEEP. Could well be that was why...

"So now, we have another couple of shows in Sweden, then I have to go back early to play one DETHKLOK show at an undisclosed location in the States.

"Speaking of DETHKLOK, what a blast that quick tour was. Getting to play with the MASTERFUL musicians that were Misters Kenneally, Beller, and Small; wow, talk about heaven. I was definitely the SCRUB musician on that stage every night, believe me. And, say what you want about the show, I love it, and the live show was waaaaay cool! I had to crack up during the set quite a few times in the beginning, 'til I got used to some of the dialogue.

"Anyway, I think the live show is really sharp, and I strongly suggest all metalheads check us out if we come near your town in 2008.

"As for 2008, it too will be pretty chaotic, and one of the things I'm most looking forward to is being a part of the 'reunion of the year,' in my opinion, which involves the return of the mighty FORBIDDEN. As I understand, Mr. Bostaph [Paul Bostaph; TESTAMENT, ex-SLAYER, FORBIDDEN, EXODUS] has prior commitments, so my FORBIDDEN brethren reached out to me and I was very honored to say yes. I'm sure more details will come from their camp soon, but I just wanted to make a quick mention of it right here. I'll keep everyone posted with some updates soon.

"As for a DVD update, I thank everyone's impatience in this matter, and yes, I KNOW I promised it's release months ago, but as I'm a bit of a control freak (only in this matter, I assure you), and this schedule of mine over the past few months has been pretty brutal, I've just needed all this time to get it done right. It won't be perfect, but it will be something I can be proud of, and hopefully something you'll be proud to have in your collection.

"Also, a GIANT THANK YOU to all who have purchased a GENESHIRT, whether manly or girlie. WOW! We've just re-ordered, due to selling out of most of the first pressing. Very cool, and quite unbelievable, guys, so again, thank you!

"Now, as everyone in the metal world knows, the holidays for all of us now are forever bittersweet. With rememberences for the loss of Chuck and Dime, and now with the untimely passing of our new brother Vitek, the holiday cheer might not seem so, I don't know...cheery. But, I'm sure a crestfallen feeling would be the last thing any of these gentlemen would want from us, so with a glass in one hand and horns raised in the other, we remember our fallen brothers with a...smile. And maybe a cranking-up of the volume.

"Thanks for listening, everybody. A happy holidays to all of ya..."

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More Bands Confirmed For Hellfest

According to VSWebzine.com, CARCASS, MESHUGGAH, MINISTRY, AT THE GATES, FORBIDDEN and TESTAMENT are among the confirmed bands for next year's Hellfest festival, set to take place June 20-22, 2008 in Clisson, France. More than 60 bands will perform on 2 stages. The festival billing is shaping up as follows (in alphabetical order):

ANATHEMA
ANAAL NATHRAKH
ANGRA
AT THE GATES
BENIGHTED
BORN FROM PAIN
CARCASS
CULT OF LUNA
ELUVEITIE
FORBIDDEN
GHOST BRIGADE
LEGION OF THE DAMNED
MESHUGGAH
MINISTRY
MY DYING BRIDE
PARADISE LOST
SEPTIC FLESH
SHINING
SICK OF IT ALL
SONATA ARCTICA
TESTAMENT
THE OLD DEAD TREE

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Testament Confirmed For Legacy Festival

Veteran San Francisco Bay Area thrashers TESTAMENT have been confirmed for the Legacy Festival, set to take place May 30-31, 2008 in Belgrade, Serbia. The festival billing is now shaping up as follows:

May 30, 2008:

DESTRUCTION
VADER
OBITUARY
DARK FUNERAL
THRESHOLD

May 31, 2008:

JORN LANDE
BELPHEGOR
FINNTROLL
UNLEASHED
AMORPHIS
RAGE
TESTAMENT

One more international act as well as four Serbian support bands will be announced soon.

TESTAMENT has set "The Formation of Damnation" as the title of its new album, tentatively due in early 2008 via Nuclear Blast Records.

The band is currently recording the effort with producer Andy Sneap (MACHINE HEAD, EXODUS, ARCH ENEMY, NEVERMORE) at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California.

TESTAMENT recently recruited Paul Bostaph (SLAYER, EXODUS, FORBIDDEN, SYSTEMATIC) to play the drums on new CD. The group was previously rehearsing and writing new material with British drummer Nick Barker (CRADLE OF FILTH, DIMMU BORGIR), but Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and international work visa issues have prevented Barker from continuing to be involved in the project.

Bostaph, who was a member of TESTAMENT for a brief period starting around February 2004, had previously played several live dates with the group in 1992 and appeared on the band's 1993 live EP, "Return to the Apocalyptic City". He also toured with TESTAMENT in 2006.

TESTAMENT's current lineup is rounded out by Chuck Billy on vocals, Eric Peterson on rhythm guitar, Alex Skolnick on lead guitar and Greg Christian on bass.

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Testament Reveal New Album Title

Veteran San Francisco Bay Area metallers TESTAMENT have set "The Formation of Damnation" as the title of their new album, tentatively due in early 2008 via Nuclear Blast Records. the band is currently recording the drums tracks with producer Andy Sneap (MACHINE HEAD, EXODUS, ARCH ENEMY, NEVERMORE) at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California.

TESTAMENT recently recruited Paul Bostaph (SLAYER, EXODUS, FORBIDDEN, SYSTEMATIC) to play the drums on new CD. The group was previously rehearsing and writing new material with British drummer Nick Barker (CRADLE OF FILTH, DIMMU BORGIR), but Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and international work visa issues have prevented Barker from continuing to be involved in the project.

Bostaph, who was a member of TESTAMENT for a brief period starting around February 2004, had previously played several live dates with the group in 1992 and appeared on the band's 1993 live EP, "Return to the Apocalyptic City". He also toured with TESTAMENT in 2006. More...

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Nevermore Frontman Taps Musicians For Solo Album

NEVERMORE frontman Warrel Dane has tapped James Murphy (ex-TESTAMENT, DEATH, OBITUARY) and Jeff Loomis (NEVERMORE) to play guest solos on his upcoming solo album, which is tentatively due in early 2008. Dane has written about eight tracks with former SOILWORK guitarist-turned-producer Peter Wichers and has also collaborated with ex-HIMSA guitarist Matt Wicklund on a few songs. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "August", "Obey" (described by Dane as "one of my favorite songs that Peter has penned — very heavy and Dirk's [SOILWORK's Dirk Verbeuren] drumming is amazing on this track") and "Messenger". Also included will be a "very metalized cover" of an old SISTERS OF MERCY song.

In a September 2006 interview with Metal-Rules.com, Dane stated about the upcoming solo CD, "I've been working on it for like the last year off and on, just writing songs with Peter Wichers, and at some point we'll finish them then go in the studio . . . It doesn't sound like NEVERMORE, and I think, you know, if it did, there wouldn't be much point in doing a side project. If it sounded like NEVERMORE I think it would be a little redundant . . . Of course it's metal! Kind of like metal-infused hard rock, I think. It's different and it's a chance for me to explore myself — explore myself in other ways! [laughs] Well, for me, and for Peter from SOILWORK as well, it was kind of a chance for us both to 'step outside the box,' because people expect a certain thing from both those bands and with this we don't have to fulfill any expectations. We can do whatever we want." More...

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Bands Announced For Music Is Motion Festival

RT Pro-Motion is presenting the Music Is Motion Festival next August, 2008 in Abbottsford, BC. Billed as "Canada's Best Metal & Hardcore Festival," the event will be held on one day (tba) and will feature TESTAMENT, PAUL DIANNO, AGNOSTIC FRONT, COMBI CHRIST and more.

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Prosthetic Records To Reissue Testament Albums

Prosthetic Records has officially announced reissues from Bay Area metal legends Testament. Both with feature new liner notes and 1997's "Demonic" was remastered, while 1999's "The Gathering" will include the previously only available in Japan, "Hammer Of The Gods". Both will see a worldwide release through the label on January 8th. Both albums were previously released through Spitfire Records and are currently out of print.

Currently gearing up for the release of a new studio record featuring all new music via Nuclear Blast Records, Testaments's line-up for "Demonic" included Gene Hoglan (Death, Strapping Young Lad), while "The Gathering" featured metal legends James Murphy (Death, Obituary), Steve DiGiorgio (Death, Iced Earth, Sadus), and Dave Lombardo (Slayer).

Comments Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler: "Testament is far and away one of the most influential bands in all of modern metal. While other veteran acts soak up much of the spotlight with sing a-longs, Testament maintains the unsurpassed musicianship, integrity and brutality that continues to create an untouchable legacy."

Some other bands praised Testament and their influence as well: More...

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Testament Singer Speaks On Music Business And More

Dr. Abner Mality from the Wormwood Chronicles webzine recently conducted an interview with TESTAMENT frontman Chuck Billy. A few excerpts from the chat follow:

Wormwood Chronicles: You grew up in the Bay Area during the most exciting period ever in heavy metal.

Chuck Billy: Right.

Wormwood Chronicles: What was it like in those times? It seems like a legendary period in history?

Chuck Billy: Well, there were a lot of parties. Everybody was pretty tight with each other, there was a lot of camaraderie. Everybody was young, it was a new scene. METALLICA was up and coming with their sound and they sort of gave the Bay Area scene the flavor it had. They played a lot of New Year's parties and a lot of gigs at their house. It was a time when everybody was close and the same people were at the same shows and the same parties all the time.It was this whole community that was really cool. We came from Dublin, which is about an hour from the San Francisco/Berkeley area where everything was happening. The Stone, the Keystone Berkeley...

Wormwood Chronicles: Ruthie's Inn...

Chuck Billy: Ruthie's Inn, for sure. Everybody wanted to be a part of it, they wanted to be a part of something. It was a very comfortable scene. You'd say, I'm going out to Berkeley this Friday and I'm gonna see so-and-so and you knew you'd see your buddies and other bands there.

Wormwood Chronicles: Your two brothers are in DUBLIN DEATH PATROL. Were they diehard headbangers like you? Were you the family ringleader that got them into it?

Chuck Billy: In the end, I became that, but my little brother Andy, who's playing lead guitar and rhythm on the DDP album, he actually played in the band RAMPAGE before me. They were doing their own singing and they asked me to sing for them and that's how it got started. He was in RAMPAGE before me, he started the band. He's one of those guys who's a great guitar player and can play anything but he just never had a break in music and was never in the right place at the right time. So it's really cool that my brother is getting a chance to get his name out there and show people what he's got.

Wormwood Chronicles: One of the ironies of DUBLIN DEATH PATROL is that you're in the band with the guy you replaced in LEGACY (later TESTAMENT), Zetro Sousa. What's it like working with Zetro?

Chuck Billy: Well, me and Zet have a lot in common. Zet used to be one of the roadies for RAMPAGE and he was my brother Andy's best friend. That's how I know Zetro. When Zetro left LEGACY to join EXODUS, he called me up and said, "Hey, I got a band that sounds great, maybe you should give a call and audition for them." So I called up and got the gig with TESTAMENT because of Zetro.

Wormwood Chronicles: What's the chemistry working with Zetro now?

Chuck Billy: It's great! If you think about it, I probably couldn't sing with another singer out there and he probably couldn't sing with another singer than me. Because I sang all his lyrics on the first TESTAMENT record, I basically sang in his style on that record. He knows my style and I know his style. We're really good friends so there's no tricks. We actually found out that his and my voices blend really well together.

Wormwood Chronicles: From the little I heard, it sounded like a natural pairing.

Chuck Billy: Yeah, it is. So far it's been a lot of fun. The whole project's been fun because it's basically all our friends that we grew up with and it's not so much of a band. It's friendships and it's fun...

Wormwood Chronicles: It looks like thrash metal is getting really popular again. Do you think it will reach the heights it did in the '80s?

Chuck Billy: I think it's gonna go beyond that. In the '80s we didn't have the Internet like we do now and the potential to get exposed is much greater. It's a lot easier to get to people's homes now.

Wormwood Chronicles: You can expose yourself much easier now but can you make a business out of it? Nobody seems to sell any records any more.

Chuck Billy: Through the Internet, you're not going to make that much money. The only way a band makes money is by touring, play live concerts and sell merchandise. That's how bands survive now because there's a lot of downloading and bands don't get paid for their records. Record companies, they rip off a lot of bands. That's just the way it is.

Wormwood Chronicles: I recently heard a quote that for every one song that is legitimately downloaded and paid for, that same song gets downloaded for free at least 20 times.

Chuck Billy: Oh yeah. We found out that DUBLIN DEATH PATROL...there's some website out there that's offering the whole album for download for $2.22!

Wormwood Chronicles: That's not even really a marketplace anymore. Now you formed your own record company, Godfodder Records. Tell us a little more about that and what led you to start it up.

Chuck Billy: Of course, when you do your own music and sell it on your own website...we're selling the album on Dublindeathpatrol.com...you do things by yourself and eliminate the middle man. We decided to start our own label. That way, we own all the masters. If we wanna license it to Roadrunner or Nuclear Blast or some other label, at least Godfodder Records will still own the masters.

Wormwood Chronicles: Has there been interest from those labels?

Chuck Billy: We haven't really been out there searching. We're just selling ourselves, having fun and pushing ourselves right now.

Wormwood Chronicles: I would think that with all the high profile names involved in DDP, somebody would come sniffing around.

Chuck Billy: Oh there is, there is, they're coming around. It's coming slowly. I think people want to see what happens with this, how much exposure and press we get out of it.

Wormwood Chronicles: What's it like being on the other side of the record business? Somebody who produces and owns as opposed to just performing?

Chuck Billy: You know, as just a performer, it's wrong not to know the business end. Living through it myself and talking first hand, there's a lot of people you can't trust and nobody's gonna come give you money unless you come asking for it.

Wormwood Chronicles: Has it been a real education, running the label?

Chuck Billy: Oh, big time! I've had companies file bankruptcy one me...two of 'em...and you just kinda learn by living through it. We [TESTAMENT] put out two of our best records and the record companies folded up on us. We didn't see a penny from that stuff. You just learn that you can't trust anybody in the business.

Wormwood Chronicles: Were these legit bankruptcies or were they just trying to avoid paying what they owed?

Chuck Billy: One guy did the bankruptcy to avoid paying. He's still in business and did a "Best of Testament" record, which we never saw a penny from. The other company in Europe folded legitimately, they're done and there's no more label.

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Dublin Death Patrol Announce Mexico City Show

DUBLIN DEATH PATROL (DDP) — the new band featuring TESTAMENT singer Chuck Billy and former EXODUS vocalist Steve "Zetro" Souza — has scheduled a concert at Hard Rock Live in Mexico City, Mexico on January 28, 2008.

Fan-filmed video footage of DUBLIN DEATH PATROL (DDP) performing at the Underworld in London, England on June 18, 2007 can be viewed below.

DUBLIN DEATH PATROL made its live debut on June 3, 2007 at The Galaxy in Santa Ana, California. Check out photos of the concert at DirtJunior.com.

DUBLIN DEATH PATROL's debut album, "DDP 4 Life", is available now on Godfodder Records.

DUBLIN DEATH PATROL's lineup is as follows:

Chuck Billy (TESTAMENT, RAMPAGE, GUILT) - Vocals
Steve "Zetro" Souza (LEGACY, EXODUS) - Vocals
Andy Billy (SACRED DOG, RAMPAGE, GUILT) - Guitar
Greg Bustamante (RAMPAGE) - Guitar
Steve Robello (OUT OF CONTROL) - Guitar
Phil Demmel (MACHINE HEAD, VIO-LENCE, DEATH PENALTY, METAL WARRIOR) - Guitar
Willy Langenhuizen (RAMPAGE, LAAZ ROCKIT) - Bass
John Souza - Bass
Danny Cunningham - Drums
Troy Luccketta (TESLA) - Drums
Eddie Billy - Bass More...

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Get Thrashed Expect April DVD Release

The makers of Get Thrashed: The Story of Thrash Metal have issued the following brief message:

"For all those who have been asking - Get Thrashed: The Story Of Thrash Metal should be out on DVD April, 2008. More details coming soon!!!"

Get Thrashed documents the history of thrash metal by dissecting the genre from its head banging beginnings to the present day resurgence. The film features some incredible vintage live footage as well as interviews from legendary acts such as EXODUS, SODOM, ANTHRAX, METALLICA and more!

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Former Testament Drummer Available For Sessions

Drummer Nick Barker (ex-CRADLE OF FILTH, DIMMU BORGIR, TESTAMENT) is offering his professional drumming services for any serious/working bands out there in the metal universe that require a studio or touring session player in the very near future.

"Now that I'm not involved in the whole TESTAMENT thing anymore, this has left me with a considerable amount of free time on my hands, just sat around at home, practicing on my kit, etc." Barker told BLABBERMOUTH.NET. "As a result of all this free time and the overwhelming feeling of 'cabin fever,' I've decided after much thought and consideration to offer my services out there for any bands/musicians who are looking for a session drummer either in the studio or for any upcoming tours that they may have planned. Obviously I don't have a U.S. work visa at this moment in time so that temporary setback rules out any performances on American soil, unfortunately, until the situation is rectified. However, this does not affect me performing anywhere else on planet earth and I hope to be returning to the U.S. very soon."

Serious parties can contact Barker via a special e-mail address set up purely for the sake of aquiring session work at mystic-rhythms@ hotmail.co.uk.

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Testament Post In Session Recording Photos Online

Several new photos of San Francisco Bay Area metal veterans TESTAMENT have been taken during the band’s pre-production sessions for their new album have been posted at their MySpace page. In other news, TESTAMENT have recruited ex-SLAYER/EXODUS drummer Paul Bostaph for the recording of the new album, as drummer Nick Barker couldn’t take part in the process due to visa problems.

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New Video Interview With Testament Members Posted

A 10-minute video interview with Chuck Billy (vocals) and Alex Skolnick (guitar) of the veteran San Francisco Bay Area metallers TESTAMENT conducted by Metal Injection during this past summer's Sounds of the Underground tour can be viewed below.

TESTAMENT has recruited Paul Bostaph (SLAYER, EXODUS, FORBIDDEN, SYSTEMATIC) to play the drums on the band's forthcoming album, tentatively due next spring via Nuclear Blast Records. The group was previously rehearsing and writing new material with British drummer Nick Barker (CRADLE OF FILTH, DIMMU BORGIR), but Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and international work visa issues have prevented Barker from continuing to be involved in the project.

Bostaph, who was a member of TESTAMENT for a brief period starting around February 2004, had previously played several live dates with the group in 1992 and appeared on the band's 1993 live EP, "Return to the Apocalyptic City". He also toured with TESTAMENT in 2006.

TESTAMENT's current lineup is rounded out by Eric Peterson on rhythm guitar and Greg Christian on bass.

TESTAMENT parted ways with Spitfire Records earlier in the year (the Spitfire Records catalog was acquired last summer by Redux Records, the company formerly known as Sheridan Square Entertainment).

Spitfire released a TESTAMENT compilation, "The Spitfire Collection", in February. Consisting of tracks from such Spitfire titles as "The Gathering", "Demonic", "Live at the Fillmore", "First Strike Still Deadly" and "Live in London", the 14-track set chronicles an era that ultimately saw the original TESTAMENT reunite for a successful 2005 tour.
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Nick Barker Speaks On Testament Situation

It was also reported that Nick Barker (ex-DIMMU BORGIR, CRADLE OF FILTH) will not be recording with Testament on this new album, due to "Homeland Security and International Work Visa issues".

Barker has since issued the following statement:

"On July 8th, 2007, after returning back to the US with Testament from a very successful appearance at Waldrock Open Air festival in Burgum, Holland, I was refused entry into the United States of America (Minneapolis en route to San Francisco) due to not having the appropriate Visa requirements at that time and I tried to enter the good 'ol U.S. of A. as a tourist.

Biggest most stupidest mistake in the history of big, stupid mistakes!!!

Suspicious US Immigration officials smelled a rat in their midst and so after some hard line questioning along with further investigations, decided to send me back to where I came from (Amsterdam, Holland). I was then police escorted (in hand cuffs) like a criminal onto the next flight available back to the Netherlands.

The look of shock, terror, disgust and overwhelming concern on the other passengers faces as I was marched onto the plane to my designated seat was one I will never forget. Who can blame them, watching a six foot, three hundred pound (plus change) man, with a skinhead hair-do, covered in tattoos boarding a commercial Trans-Atlantic flight in such an unorthodox manner. Indeed!!!!!

This unfortunate decision by US Immigration and Homeland Security officials well and truly put me on Uncle Sam's shit list until I acquire the correct Visa which allows me to enter the US and perform as an international artist/entertainer on American soil again.Their final judgment also determined my "NO SHOW" on all of the scheduled US East Coast dates Testament had booked in July (Sound Of The Underground, etc) and so drumming powerhouse Paul Bostaph stepped in on my behalf, which by all accounts did an excellent job and literally tore shit up!!!

Due to the expense and processing/turn around time needed for the appropriate Visa under these circumstances it is with great disappointment and deep filled sadness to inform you all that I am no longer involved in the making of the new Testament record, due for worldwide release in late spring of 2008 through Nuclear Blast Records and that Mr. Bostaph has taken over all drum duties on this project.

It makes perfect sense all round to utilize the services and phenomenal skills of Bostaph who is already in the Bay Area, as well as being a long time friend of the band and myself.

Therefore I would like to take this oppertunity to thank Paul for taking over and wish him nothing but the best of luck on this project and all future endeavours.

....And of course, last but in no way least, a very special heart-warmed "thank you" to Testament and crew for an absolutely fantastic time spent on the road (Australia, South America, Asia, Europe & the US) as well as many hours endured in the studio during pre-production sessions for the new album which will be, without a doubt, one of the best, if not THE BEST album release of 2008.

Spring time will never be the same again!!!!"

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Paul Bostaph Back With Testament

Paul Bostaph (ex-SLAYER/EXODUS) will join the ranks alongside originating classic thrash legends Chuck Billy on vocals, Alex Skolnick on lead guitar, Eric Peterson on rhythm guitar and Greg Christian on bass. Unfortunately Nick Barker (ex-DIMMU BORGIR, CRADLE OF FILTH) will not be recording with Testament on this new album, due to Homeland Security and International Work Visa issues. Rather than delaying this long awaited return of Testament, the band has chosen to recruit Paul Bostaph, long time friend and member, to record on the much anticipated album, which is tentatively scheduled for a spring 2008 release via Nuclear Blast.

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