Testament guitarist Eric Peterson has warned fans that the future of the band depends on the success of their new album ‘Dark Roots Of Earth.’
Speaking with Sweden’s Radio Fireball on Monday (August 13), Peterson said that there were members in the Testament ranks who wouldn’t stick around if the album and supporting tour was to fail: “There’s definitely some politics in the band now…There’s some people in the band that are, you know… aren’t a hundred percent there unless, you know, it keeps going good.” He added, “If Testament sees darker days, I don’t know if this lineup would stick.”
However, ‘Dark Roots Of Earth,’ which was released July 31, shot to No.12 on The Billboard 200 chart after it sold more than 20,000 units in its first week of release. Peterson agreed that if the album continued in its popularity, then there would be no reason for any members to leave: “I think if the record does good – which I think it will – it’ll see Testament be doing another record.”
Regardless of what becomes of the rest of the band members, Peterson remains adamant that he’ll be sticking with the legendary thrash band: “I’m down for whatever. I started this band. I’m totally into it.”
Peterson, along with long-time frontman Chuck Billy, who has been with the band since 1986, is the only member of Testament, past or present to have never left. Guitarist Alex Skolnick and bassist Greg Christian have both left twice in the past, while drummer Gene Hoglan’s has also left once before.
Meanwhile, footage of Skolnick tracking harmonies at Spin Studios in Long Island City, New York for the band’s cover version of Iron Maiden’s ‘Powerslave,’ which featured on the CD/DVD and vinyl versions of ‘Dark Roots Of Earth’ has been released online. Check it out below.
Furthermore, Testament has posted a new set of dates for a UK tour in November. Dates and venues are as follows:
11/27 – Glasgow Garage
11/28 – Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall
11/29 – Manchester HMV Ritz
11/30 – London KOKO
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