Testament’s Chuck Billy recently discussed the impact of the band’s new drummer Chris Dovas on their latest work. He shared insights about the collaboration in an interview with This Day in Metal.
Billy addressed how Dovas, who replaced Dave Lombardo, has influenced both the band’s live performances and their latest album “Para Bellum.” When asked about what the young drummer brings to Testament, Billy highlighted the generational differences and creative synergy.
“Well, he definitely brings his young energy because he we found him at 24 and he’s 27 now,” Billy said. “He has definitely been raised on a different breed of heavy metal than we are. A different generation of metal than we are. He likes heavy death metal, speed metal. He likes to play fast, which was perfect for Eric.”
The frontman emphasized the strong working relationship between Dovas and guitarist Eric Peterson. He noted how their collaboration has enhanced the band’s creative process.
“Eric is a demanding guitar player on drummers and he really works handinhand with them,” Billy continued. “So to have a talented guy like Chris at Eric’s disposal, wow, they were just off and running just creating riffs, you know. And I could tell right away how overwhelmed I was by the riffs coming at me that wow, they’re clicking, you know, it’s working.”
Billy also noted how Dovas has brought fresh influences to the band’s sound. He has introduced newer musical elements that have shaped their current direction.
“And I think Chris probably bringing some of the newer music that he listens to and turning Eric on to some of it and being maybe influenced a little,” he said. “I wouldn’t say we try to copy, but being influenced by newer, harder, heavier bands. So it’s kind of like a full circle that we kind of took, you know, where we’re at today in our writing, you know, as you can see.”
Dovas brings a unique educational background and technical foundation to Testament’s rhythm section that sets him apart from many metal drummers.
Big Takeover reported that Dovas studied music at Berklee College of Music. This gave him formal training that complements his passion for metal. This educational foundation has allowed him to approach Testament’s complex compositions with both technical precision and creative insight.
Scorpion Percussion described Dovas as a Boston-based studio and touring metal drummer who is competent in a vast range of musical genres and styles. His versatility extends beyond metal. He incorporates influences from jazz and rock that have enriched his drumming approach with Testament.
The drummer’s diverse musical background has proven invaluable in Testament’s creative process. His official biography noted that he draws from many different musical influences. This allows him to adapt seamlessly to Testament’s evolving sound while bringing fresh perspectives to their established thrash metal foundation.
Dovas joined Testament in 2023. He took over drumming duties and quickly established himself as an integral part of the band’s lineup. His youth and energy, combined with his formal musical training and broad stylistic knowledge, have created the perfect storm for Testament’s continued evolution in the modern metal landscape.
