All Access Magazine: It’s Saturday, March 31st, at the Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana for this multi-band Metalfest - and we’re here to meet with Eric Peterson, founding member of thrash-metal pioneers Testament. So here you are, Eric, on your lengthy tour, and tonight you’re headlining, and after this show you’ll be taking a brief break, right?
Eric: A couple of weeks.
AAM: And then you’ll be off to see a lot of Latin America, right?
Eric: Absolutely, starting with Mexico.
AAM: Then we see that at the end of April you’ll be taking a longer break, apparently two months, to do some work on your upcoming album.
Eric: Yeah, we’ll be writing some new stuff.
AAM: Excellent. Can you tell us, do you have a working title for the album?
Eric: I’m not at liberty to say,
AAM: Will it be the same line-up as on this current tour?
Eric: Yes, it will.
AAM: After some time in the studio, you’re off for Europe, to do a lot of summer festivals.
Eric: Yes, it can be really great over there, with those big festivals it’s sort of like a lifestyle thing, and we’re really looking forward to it.
AAM: Any favorite countries?
Eric: Well, we like Scandinavia!
AAM: Any plans to visit Asia?
Eric: None at this time.
AAM: Your current drummer, Nick Barker, is British. Does this bring a different flavor or edge to the band?
Eric: Well, he’s a great drummer, one of the best. I think his resumé speaks for itself, and we’re really happy with what he brings to the band.
AAM: We see that guitarist Alex Skolnick studied with Joe Satriani. Are there any particular guitarists that have been a big influence or inspiration for you?
Eric: I like to think that I’ve evolved my own personal style.
AAM: Do you feel at all like a founder or co-founder of the thrash genre?
Eric: No, I feel like I was just in a certain place at a time of change, and I’ve been glad to make this kind of music.
AAM: Finally, do you have any advice for today’s aspiring bands and musicians
Eric: Be yourself, and practice what you preach!
AAM: Thank you very much, Eric. Can we please get a photo?
Eric: Sure, as long as it’s with this guy! (points to pal)
AAM: Again we thank you: and here’s to a hot show tonight!
