by Testament frontman Chuck Billy recently discussed the band’s upcoming studio album “Para Bellum.” He shared his thoughts on the creative process in an interview with The Metal Voice.
Billy expressed his excitement about the new record while reflecting on the band’s continued creative evolution after four decades in the music industry.
“I’m just excited for people to hear the new album ‘Para Bellum,’” Billy said. “It’s one of them things where you’re always trying to outdo yourself every record, and somehow we did it again.”
The vocalist humorously acknowledged the band’s consistent quality while wondering about their future output.
“And the downside is, when are we going to write a shitty record?” he continued. “We’re due to write a shitty record. It’s coming up. So, um but this one isn’t it yet.”
Billy emphasized how the new album maintains a fresh sound despite the band’s lengthy career.
“So, I’m just happy and looking forward to the fans to listen to it, check out because to me, this record sounds current,” he said. “It sounds modern. It doesn’t sound like a band that’s been 40 years around rehashing the same riffs, going through the same motion, taking the easy route out.”
The frontman concluded by highlighting the band’s ongoing passion for creating music.
“We’re still being challenged. We’re still getting creative after 40 years of making music, which is awesome,” Billy said. “If we didn’t tour anymore, I would just be happy creating this new music.”
Billy’s comments come as Testament prepares to release their latest effort. The album represents another milestone in the band’s extensive discography.
Eddie Trunk reported that “Para Bellum” is set for release on October 10, 2025, through Nuclear Blast. The album stands as both a battle cry and an observation of humanity’s uneasy relationship with technology and modern chaos. It reflects this theme through music described as urgent, sharp, and unflinchingly human.
The band has already given fans a taste of what’s to come with the lead single “Infanticide A.I.” Nuclear Blast noted that the track showcases Testament’s evolved musical talent and the blazing speed of their new drummer, Chris Dovas, who brings fresh energy to the band’s sound.
Guitarist Eric Peterson also expressed enthusiasm about the record. He noted the significant time investment that went into creating “Para Bellum.” Heaviest of Art revealed that it took five years since their last album “Titans of Creation” to complete this new effort. Peterson highlighted the abundance of fresh, heavy, and melodic tunes.
“It will be tough to pick songs for their live shows due to the quality and variety of the new material,” Peterson noted. He emphasized how the extended creative process has resulted in what the band considers some of their strongest work to date.
The album’s thematic focus on technology and modern chaos aligns with Testament’s ability to remain relevant while maintaining their thrash metal roots. This supports Billy’s assertion that the band continues to sound current rather than simply rehashing past material.
