Eric Peterson Calls New Testament Drummers Will Make Them More 'Heavy'

JAKARTA - Testament band leader Eric Peterson said the inclusion of drummer Chris Dovas (Seven Spires) became a "hidden blessing" after Dave Lombardo's "short return".

Last week, Lombardo revealed in an interview with Blabbermouth.net that he would be absent from the rest of Testament's 2023 show, without guarantees that he would return to the band.

Lombardo, who is a guest drummer for Testament's 1999 studio album, The Gathering, officially joined the band San Francisco Bay Area last year.

The former Slayer drummer is currently a member of Misfits, Mr. Bule, Empire Statemen, and Planet Satanic. He also played with Suicidal Tendencies from 2016 to 2020.

Meanwhile, photos posted by Testament bassist Steve DiGiorgio on his Instagram show that the band is training with Dovas for the upcoming South American tour.

Dovas himself previously filled Lombardo's position on the first six dates of the 2022 summer/winter leg, The Bay Strikes Back Wisata. Lombardo was unable to perform the show due to clashes with the scheduling of Misfits.

Peterson on Monday shared a video of Dovas appearing with Testament and he wrote in the accompanying message.

"What can I say? Things sometimes just happen for a reason, I mean only when everything looks fine BAM! No! But then something opens up... @chrisdovas happens.

"Chris replaced Dave on our last trip in North America because Dave's schedule was too tight, but it was a hidden blessing. Chris turned out to be really amazing and a brilliant drummer who was very good and amazing."