Testament has seemingly made it a habit of releasing a new record every four years since 2008. Basic math would dictate that there would likely be a new album in 2020 following that patter, but according to frontman Chuck Billy in an interview with Kimberly Bulletin, that's not the case.
Billy says Testament will begin the writing process after their tour with Slayer wraps up in August. He adds that the band likes to work on new material while they're not on the road, mainly because "there's usually not a lot of post-performance adrenaline left in the glands, so everyone usually relaxes in their hotel rooms."
"This will be the final lap for us touring in support of our latest album, Brotherhood of the Snake. We want our focus, during this and after this, to dive back into the songwriting process. We want to release a new album in 2019, so we need to get started soon. Eric and I are still the main songwriting force within Testament, although of course, we’re wide open to whatever the other guys want to bring to the band as a whole.
"Eric [Peterson] will crank out all these amazing riffs and I’ll write the lyrics. We fumble around until the main skeleton of the song comes together and then we’ll flesh it out until it’s complete. Alex and Steve and Gene, adding their talents? It’s crazy!"
Billy adds once the album is out and the next touring cycle begins, he'd like to see Testament include China, India, and New Zealand in their plans. Here's hoping the new album doesn't hit a two-year snag in the recording and release process like 2016's Brotherhood Of The Snake did.
