Citing scheduling conflicts, the amicable split between the two cones after more than a decade together.
Among metal music’s most respected, in-demand drummers, Gene Hoglan and Testament have announced that they are parting ways after more than a 10 year run.
Hoglan had a history with Testament even prior to his decade stretch as the band’s drummer. He recorded the drums for the band’s seventh studio album in the 1997 release, Demonic. He would rejoin the Tesatment ranks some fifteen years later to record Dark Roots of Earth. He would go onto record two more records as a part of Testament – among the band’s most celebrated to date. 2016’s Brotherhood of the Snake saw the thrash titans again rise to prominence and the 2020 album Titans of Creation was regarded as one of the best albums of the genre on the year.
Hoglan has been lauded for his work with formative bands like Death, Strapping Young Lad, Dark Angel, Dethklok, Fear Factory and so many more.
The decision for both Hoglan and the remaining members of Testament was one that each arrived at amicably – with both parties sharing their admiration for one another. Citing scheduling difficulties between Testament’s touring plans and Hoglan’s various projects, the two felt it was time to turn the page.
Testament, who is getting ready to embark on The Bay Strikes Back Tour in the spring with Exodus and Death Angel, spoke highly of their time with Hoglan and wished him nothing but the best moving forward. “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.”
Hoglan took to his social channels to release his own statement regarding the personnel change.
“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.”
Hoglan continues, “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.”
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