Alex Skolnick recently commented on Testament’s new drummer Chris Dovas, sharing his thoughts on the musician’s performance in a statement shared on the Talk Louder Podcast.
Dovas has stepped into the role following Dave Lombardo’s absence. Skolnick highlighted the positive reception from fans during recent shows.
“Chris [Dovas] came out, and I have to say, that’s a tall order, filling in for Lombardo and explaining to the fans, ‘Sorry, Dave will not be making an appearance tonight.’ It’s like an understudy in a play… So, he was the understudy… And nobody complained after the shows,” Skolnick said.
The guitarist emphasized the audience’s enthusiasm for Dovas’s contributions to the band’s performances.
“I remember just thinking about this: ‘Everybody’s happy. I can’t picture them being any happier had Dave been able to make it.’ So, okay, that really says something. So, yeah, he’s fired us up. He’s brought a whole new flavor,” he continued.
Skolnick also reflected on Testament’s musical direction. The band’s latest material ventures into new territory while maintaining their classic sound.
“There’s definitely more extreme music there [on ‘Para Bellum’]. And I think it’s good. We have enough music now of the classic Testament. And some of those songs [on ‘Para Bellum’] do venture into that territory. But I’m glad — I’m glad we’re going into new territory, and doing it with a musician on that level just makes it really exciting,” Skolnick concluded.
Testament has undergone significant changes in its drumming lineup over the past year. These transitions reflect the band’s evolving lineup and touring commitments, providing context for Dovas’s appointment and the band’s current direction.
Longtime drummer Gene Hoglan initially departed from Testament due to scheduling conflicts, according to Blabbermouth. This departure created an opening for the band to explore new percussion talent and marked a turning point for the thrash metal veterans as they prepared for their next recording cycle.
The band subsequently brought in legendary drummer Dave Lombardo, formerly of Slayer, to handle touring duties. However, Lombardo’s busy schedule prevented him from participating in the full album recording or extended touring cycle for “Para Bellum,” as reported by Ultimate Metal. This situation led Testament to seek a permanent solution.
Chris Dovas became Testament’s new full-time drummer as a result. He made his recording debut with Testament on the band’s 2025 album “Para Bellum,” marking a significant milestone in both his career and the band’s evolution, according to Blabbermouth. Skolnick’s recent comments underscore how successfully Dovas has integrated into the band’s dynamic, bringing fresh energy while respecting Testament’s legacy.
