Drummer Gene Hoglan has officially parted ways with California thrash metal veterans Testament. The band posted the above photo and below message today, January 21st:
“To all our Testament fans around the world,
First off, we are beyond grateful to have had Gene Hoglan behind our drum throne for ten years, several albums and countless tour dates. Unfortunately, our brother Gene’s additional tours and solo endeavors in 2022 conflict insurmountably with Testament’s rescheduled dates after two years of lost time due to the pandemic. Rather than Testament having to reschedule upcoming dates (yet again) or Gene having to cancel his own plans, we have decided to amicably part ways. We understand that this announcement will cause some disappointment but rest assured: There is no drama, only the best of vibes between us. As Gene embarks upon a new chapter, we thank him from the bottom of our hearts for bringing the most powerful drum beats to Testament and heavy metal. We have no doubt he will continue to bring it as only he can. Gene Hoglan will always be family and we ask all of you to join us in wishing him only the best of luck going forward!
Also rest assured that we will continue to deliver yet another top notch addition to Testament and will reveal soon! We will see you all on tour very soon!
Testament”
Hoglan released a message as well, which reads:
“For immediate release
It’s been a great ten years folks, and now it’s time for me to move on from the mighty Testament. It merely comes down to the fact that schedules can be challenging to align for in-demand dudes like yours truly. I wish Chuck, Eric, Alex and Stevie D the absolute best of luck as they will continue to crush as always. I’m moving into an exciting new chapter of my career and free agency, with all that it will entail.
I’ll freely admit, I’m psyched. And I’m greatly looking forward to all the new opportunities the coming months and years are looking to bring, and again I wish my friends and family in Testament and their crew a fantastic future and all the best in ‘22 and beyond.
Thank you gentlemen, for a great ride together.
Gene”
Also known for his work with Dark Angel, Death, Strapping Young Lad, Devin Townsend, Fear Factory, Dethklok and more, Hoglan first joined Testament in 1996 and contributed to the band’s seventh studio album ‘Demonic.’ For Testament’s eighth studio album, ‘The Gathering’ (1999), the band recruited ex-Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo to take over drumming duties. Hoglan would return to the outfit in 2012 and would go on to contribute to all Testament releases from ‘Dark Roots of Earth’ (2012) to ‘Titans of Creation’ (2020).
Testament’s ‘Bay Strikes Back’ U.S. tour with Exodus and Death Angel was recently postponed and rescheduled for this upcoming April and May — see all forthcoming dates below.
Bay Strikes Back 2022 dates:
4/9/2022 – San Luis Obispo, CA – Fremont Theater
4/10/2022 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues [TIX]
4/12/2022 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues [TIX]
4/13/2022 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues [TIX]
4/15/2022 – Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre [TIX]
4/16/2022 – Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater
4/19/2022 – Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom
4/20/2022 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall
4/21/2022 – Austin, TX – Emo’s
4/22/2022 – Dallas, TX -Amplified Live
4/23/2022 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues [TIX]
4/26/2022 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade [TIX]
4/27/2022 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz [TIX]
4/30/2022 – Sayreville, NJ -Starland Ballroom
5/1/2022 – Baltimore, MD – Soundstage [TIX]
5/2/2022 – Boston, MA – House of Blues [TIX]
5/3/2022 – Philadelphia, PA – Theater of Living Arts [TIX]
5/5/2022 – Huntington, NY – The Paramount [TIX]
5/6/2022 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
5/7/2022 – Cincinnati, OH – Madison Theater [TIX]
5/9/2022 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
5/10/2022 – Cleveland, OH – The Agora
5/11/2022 – Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall
5/12/2022 – Detroit, MI – The Majestic Theatre [TIX]
5/14/2022 – Joliet, IL – The Forge
5/15/2022 – Joliet, IL – The Forge
5/17/2022 – Minneapolis, MN – Skyway Theatre
5/19/2022 – Denver, CO – Summit [TIX]
5/20/2022 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot [TIX]
*More dates to be added
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