Gene Hoglan. The Atomic Clock. Testament. Dethklok. Death. Fear Factory. Strapping Young Lad. All these and many more are just a few lines on the resume of metal's most productive and prolific drummer. In truth, his name has become ubiquitous with high-end heavy metal drumming. By anecdote, he even gave the legendary Dave Lumbardo some tips. But the topic on this day is a topic that proved to be very near and dear to Gene's heart; Meldrum's long awaited, finally released finale, "Lifer." Read on to see a candid conversation with a thoughtful guy.
Few names in heavy metal resonate the way Chuck Billy's does. He is and has been one of the fathers of metal, a true-to-form vocalist of remarkable consistency and dedication to craft. Chuck has been a point for fans to rally around, either to carry the banner for metal, to not forget the halcyon days, or even to give cancer the finger. Over roughly thirty years, Chuck and his band Testament have been to hell and back again, surviving the changing times and lineup changes, all the while producing the same high caliber of original Bay Area thrash. We were honored to talk to Chuck Billy about his new album (both of them,) the Big 4, microphone stands and whether or not this legend has ever thought of hanging it up.
