Gregory Christian (born April 29, 1966)[1] is an American musician who is the former bassist for thrash metal band Testament. He left the band in 1996, but rejoined in 2004 and left again in 2014. In addition to Testament, Christian has also played in HavocHate and Trinity Fallen, and later served as the bassist for Trauma. He is known for his finger playing style and jazz-like bass parts, which can be heard on Testament songs such as "Souls of Black" and "Disciples of the Watch", although he has also occasionally been seen using a guitar pick. Christian also performed backing vocals in Testament.
Greg Christian | |
|---|---|
 Christian performing in 2007 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Gregory Christian |
| Born | April 29, 1966 |
| Origin | Pleasanton, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Heavy metal, thrash metal |
| Occupation(s) | Bassist |
| Years active | 1983–present |
Career edit
Testament edit
Christian is an original member of Testament, having joined in 1983 when they were called Legacy. Prior the release of their debut album The Legacy, Christian auditioned for Metallica as the replacement for Cliff Burton,[2] but lost to former Flotsam and Jetsam bassist Jason Newsted. He recorded eight of the band's albums, including The Legacy (1987), The New Order (1988), Practice What You Preach (1989), Souls of Black (1990), The Ritual (1992), Low (1994), The Formation of Damnation (2008), and Dark Roots of Earth (2012). He also played on their live albums Live at Eindhoven (1987), Return to the Apocalyptic City (1993), Live at the Fillmore (1995), Live in London (2005) and Dark Roots of Thrash (2013).[3] In 1996, Christian left Testament, but rejoined in 2004. He left the band once again in early 2014 and was replaced by Steve Di Giorgio as bassist. Christian left due to lack of band financial transparency and inequitable payments by controlling members of Testament, Chuck Billy and Eric Peterson.[4]
HavocHate edit
Christian joined HavocHate in 2005, and recorded one album, Cycle of Pain.[5]
Trauma edit
On June 27, 2017, it was announced that Christian had joined Trauma.[6] He departed from the group in August 2022. In a press release announcing a new album, the band said "both parties came to a mutual decision" and wished Christian well in his future musical endeavors.
Hand of Fire edit
On March 10, 2019, it was announced Christian joined Hand of Fire as their bassist, as well as Jason Borton of Jungle Rot on drums.[citation needed]
References edit
- ^ "HOME". 420metal.com. April 29, 1966. Archived from the original on July 7, 2011. Retrieved July 6, 2011.
- ^ "Clifford Lee Burton – R.I.P."
- ^ Rivadavia, Eduardo. "Biography-Testament". Allmusic. Retrieved January 26, 2010.
- ^ "Former Bassist Greg Christian Makes Accusations of Wasteful Spending within Testament". July 9, 2014.
- ^ Rivadavia, Eduardo. "Biography-HavocHate". Allmusic. Retrieved January 26, 2010.[dead link]
- ^ "Former TESTAMENT Bassist GREG CHRISTIAN Joins TRAUMA". Blabbermouth.net. June 27, 2017. Retrieved June 27, 2017.
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