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Testament's "The Formation of Damnation" Debuts At #59 On Billboard Top 200

posted May 9, 2008 at 10:05 PM by deathbringer.  (13 Comments)

Photo of Testament

Band Photo: Testament (?)

Testament has debuted at number 59 on the Billboard Top 200, moving 11,556 units of their latest album, "The Formation of Damnation," while only 13,000 shipped. This debut marks Testament's highest first week sound scan numbers in the band's 24-year history.

Testament frontman Chuck Billy commented, "It's nice to see heavy metal make a statement in such a pop climate."

"We are just stoked to have the record out finally, thanks to all the fans who went out pick it up so eagerly, and if you haven't yet, off you go," commented Eric Peterson.

Alex Skolnick also commented, "While chart positions are not our priority we are nonetheless thrilled and would like to thank everyone who is supporting Testament in 2008. Cheers!"

Here are Testament's "The Formation Of Damnation" debut chart positions:

Debut 59 BILLBOARD Top 200
Top Rock Album 16
Top Hard Rock Album 4
Top Comprehensive Album 62
European Top 100 30
Germany: 15
Austria: 23
Norway: 29
Sweden: 32
Switzerland: 33
Denmark: 90
Canada: 94 + 12 on Metal Top 50
UK: 186

What's Next?

13 Comments on "Testament Debuts At #59 On Billboard Top 200"

Anonymous Reader

1. FocusShift writes:

Proof that by not getting the popularity level of Metallica that they have not lost their talent or ability to write intense metal music.

# May 9, 2008 @ 11:41 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Jackrum's avatar

Supporter

2. Jackrum writes:

Metallica take heed..

Testament can show you how to make decent Metal again.. But so could Exodus, Anthrax, Machine Head ect... You know you need help.. dont be afraid to ask for it.

# May 10, 2008 @ 2:13 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

3. TESTAMENT LEGIONS writes:

a bunch of their awesome videos are on YouTube here:
http://youtube.com/profile_favorites?user=testamentfan

# May 10, 2008 @ 8:42 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
ZT's avatar

Member

4. ZT writes:

It's really great to finally see a band like Testament get the recognition they truly deserve.......

# May 10, 2008 @ 12:27 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

5. in2thepit writes:

I had the album b4 it came out but i recently went 2 pick up a copy 2 help support the band and metal n general. None the less a terrific album 1 of there best if not the best where does this album rank with the rest of Testament's albums just curious. If anyone would like 2 talk heavy metal with me my e-mail is failed_justice at yahoo

# May 11, 2008 @ 2:24 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Cynic's avatar

Former Contributor

6. Cynic writes:

Personally Jackrum I think Testament have fallen to the realms of mediocrity alongside Anthrax and Metallica, Testament sure do deserve recognition but I'd say it's for "The Legacy". That's just me though, I like thrash metal not groove.

Now Playing: Violator - "Ordered To Thrash"

# May 11, 2008 @ 3:27 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

7. FocusShift writes:

Have you heard the new one yet Cynic? It's very un-groove and a return to more thrash and intensity.

# May 11, 2008 @ 1:06 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Cynic's avatar

Former Contributor

8. Cynic writes:

Yeah they were streaming it online and some tracks are on myspace, it may be intense but it's pretty generic to me.

Now Playing: Rigor Mortis - "Condemned To Hell"

# May 11, 2008 @ 8:48 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

9. cate writes:

dont like metallica, but Testament is great

# May 11, 2008 @ 9:33 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
deathbringer's avatar

Founder, owner & programmer

10. deathbringer writes:

I liked The Gathering the best. Demonic was great too. I definitely liked Testament more after Chuck Billy found his death metal growl. His vocals didn't do much for me on the older stuff, although I still liked the guitar work, etc.

# May 11, 2008 @ 11:13 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

11. FocusShift writes:

Saw Chuck Billy at Denny's before the Chicago Powerfest, I thought he was going to point to the menu and tell the waitress "all of it"

# May 11, 2008 @ 11:27 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
BoltThrower's avatar

Supporter

12. BoltThrower writes:

I got the last copy of the CD at Best Buy on the release date. It turned out to be a fair album, definitely Testament-worthy. My one complaint is that it has been 9 years since The Gathering so I was expecting something outstanding. I think if you have 9 years to spend on an album, it should be some of your best work ever. I realize that they have been doning other things besides writing this album but from a fan's perspective it has been 9 long years.

# May 12, 2008 @ 8:53 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

13. Andrew writes:

I think it is a pretty solid album. It definitely sounds more thrashy than recent stuff, which is good. I think Demonic is my favorite album by them, and I like Low a lot also. And to be honest, I love there early stuff, I think Practice What You Preach is there most underrated album.

# May 12, 2008 @ 3:41 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address

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