Testament -- Alex Skolnick Testament are one of the pioneers of the Bay Area thrash metal scene. After nine successful albums since the 80?s, the band are set to release their tenth studio album titled 'Dark Roots of Earth' in just a few days from now. A couple of weeks ago, Testament's guitarist Alex Skolnick had a chat to Metal Obsession about their new album, his departure from the band from 1993-2005 and Randy Blythe. Metal Obsession: Your tenth studio album 'Dark Roots of Earth' will be released very soon. I'd presume that you're excited for it? Alex Skolnick: I'm excited and relieved. Metal Obsession: Why relieved? Alex: Let me tell you straight out; a lot of work goes into these things. So it's just a huge relief to have it out. Metal Obsession: Do you feel that this album is your best work yet? Alex: I think so. I think it's the most diverse album, and I also think it has the least amount of repetition, and the most variety. Our new album should have something for everybody. Metal Obsession: The other guitarist, Eric Peterson stated in an interview that the band wanted to play more melodic rock. While the album remained more on the thrash side, you did get the chance to throw some melodic stuff in. Who was it that was more influenced by melodic rock? Alex: Well I guess that's a strange way to put it; 'melodic rock stuff' . I always want my music to