Testament: Drummer Chris Dovas Talks Writing Without Limits

Thrash legends Testament continue their evolution despite recent personnel shuffles, proving they can retain their creative hallmarks within a genre criticized for its alleged limitations. Trailblazing lead guitarist Alex Skolnick’s incorporation of innovative melodies has distinguished the group from their peers and the recent addition of drummer Chris Dovas has infused Testament with newfound youthful exuberance.

“Metal is still very important to me and it’s been an honor joining Testament. I studied music at Berklee College of Music and it was very challenging because whatever you worked to learn before the school elevated it. I relate to music theory because you learn how something began and how it works and then apply it, enabling you to communicate even better. It makes me understand exactly what I’m doing and you can use learning to break the rules and create your own path,” shared Dovas.

Dovas first earned notoriety with Seven Spires and beginning in 2013, the group worked to incorporate several sub-genres of Metal, leading to positive reviews for their collective musicianship. Dovas proved he could seamlessly transition to multiple demands of Metal’s sub-genres, ultimately leading Testament to call upon him in 2022 due to drummer Dave Lombardo’s scheduling conflict when he joined the Misfits. For Dovas, he strongly believed he was up for the challenge of not only lengthy touring, but working to ensure he would be a seamless fit for a group that demanded extensive skills and creativity.

“To play this music you have to be precise and you have to be skilled because there’s no hiding the fact that you anchor the group. You have to have a lot of endurance and I love this music! I love what Testament brings because it is very musical,” said Dovas.

Guitarist and co-founder Eric Peterson continues to be lauded for his unique rhythm work, seamlessly complementing Skolnick as the duo have bested ‘father time’ not only with their live performances, but with their well-received studio output. Testament remains hard at work following up 2020’s Titans of Creation, standing as their 13th studio record. Dovas shared that despite being such a new member, the band remains receptive to his creative input.

“Eric has been so receptive and we’ve been willing to try anything, to take creative risks. With Eric, it’s all organic and we’ll do 20-30 minute jams but even with a mistake, we can learn and build from it and then generate ideas. I learned a lot from him,” shared Dovas.

With growing expectations from loyal fans, Testament continues songwriting and studio work in between their lengthy tours but Dovas maintains the group’s creative energy remains high. Testament has shared they will be working with producer Jens Bogren, boasting extensive experience working with Metal artists such as Opeth, Kreator, Paradise Lost, and Soilwork. Dovas confidently shared Testament is creatively evolving and pushing their songwriting while retaining a thrash foundation.

“We’ve all been working to do something that’s not the same old. We wanna create and break some rules, cross some genres and make it a little different. The challenge is writing without limits and we’ve been crossing into death metal and black metal, while retaining thrash. There are some softer songs and maybe orchestration because anything can work if we try and work it.” concluded Dovas.

Photo: Stephanie Cabral, Chris Dovas photo: Mia Demonz

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