Testament Might Have a New Drummer That’s ‘Heavier And More Precise Than Before’

Last Thursday, Dave Lombardo dropped a bit of a bombshell on Testament fans looking forward to seeing him play live with the legendary thrash band when he announced that he wouldn’t be touring with them this year. At the time, no one from the band had commented on the matter but it sounds like we might have some more information about who will sit behind the kit for them in 2023.

In an Instagram post released earlier today, Testament guitarist Eric Peterson heaped praise on Seven Spires drummer Chris Dovas for his work with the band. Dovas was initially tapped to fill in for Dave Lombardo, who was unable to play he first six dates of the band’s last summer/fall leg of “The Bay Strikes Back Tour.”

“What can I say? Things sometimes just happen for a reason, I mean just when everything seems to go ok BAM! Nope! but then something opens up…@chrisdovas happened, Chris replaced Dave on our last North American run cause of over booked scheduled from Dave, but it was a blessing in disguise ????Chris has turned out to be totally unbelievably amazing and a very kind and aawesome brilliant drummer, we are more than thrilled for our fans to experience his more than meets the eye capabilities with our South American and European tours coming up, also in this last minute situation we’ve connected on a killer spree, working on new ideas this last week has become more than promising, I am stoked to say it’s gonna be KILLER peeps! Anyway rest assure Chris will push the envelope so to speak and make TESTAMENT heavier and more precise than before! ???????? more t o come!!!!! W00t! ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????I have to add it was a pleasure and a great time to have Dave back in his short lived return again #speedmetal #drums #livemusic #killer#tama“

At the time of his announcement, Lombardo didn’t say whether he would be coming back to Testament or not. It seems that if the band is willing to move on with Dovas, that Lombardo could potentially be out of the mix.

That being said, Testament wasn’t the only project on Lombardo’s plate, as he still plays for Mr. Bungle, The Misfits, and a couple solo projects for good measure, so he’ll be just fine.