Nick Barker Speaks On Testament Situation

Band Photo: Cradle Of Filth (?)

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!!!!"

Source: BW&BK