Testament Dominates Sales Charts Around the Globe With ‘Dark Roots of the Earth’

Bay Area thrash metal legends Testament, have scanned 20,720 copies of their new album 'Dark Roots of Earth' in its first week of sales in the United States according to Nielson Soundscan.

The album debuted at No. 12 on the US Billboard Top 200 chart, making it their highest first week sales since the inception of Soundscan. This also marks the highest first week sales for a Nuclear Blast artist yet.

'Dark Roots of Earth' was produced, mixed and mastered by acclaimed British producer Andy Sneap (Arch Enemy, Nevermore, Accept, Exodus). Special bonus tracks were recorded, mixed and mastered by Juan Urteaga (Machine Head, Exodus, Ted Nugent, Night Ranger) at his Trident Studios. Eliran Kantor, who has previously worked with Atheist, Sigh, Anacrusis and Gwar, among others, provided the cover artwork.

Commented the band:
“Thanks to the Testament legions for making us shine this first week. Horns up!” – Eric Peterson

“I want to express my eternal gratitude to everybody who supported the Dark Roots of Earth album and for making our hopes, dreams and hard work a reality. I am forever grateful.” – Chuck Billy

“It is with great pleasure that I share this honor with the TESTAMENT family and their legions of fans worldwide. The highest charting debut the band’s and label’s history! That is due not only you the fans, but also the extremely hard work by the worldwide offices of Nuclear Blast. Their efforts have paid off greatly and are most appreciated. Now that's how you run a campaign.” – Gene Hoglan

“I'd like to give a big ‘thank you’ to all the people that helped bring this about. Thank you to everyone at Nuclear Blast, for all the hard work putting this campaign together. And definitely, a big thank you goes put to all the fans. You all made this possible. Cheers!” – Greg Christian

“Our first week chart activity, which includes a #12 Billboard debut, is the type of thing that has long seemed elusive to this band. But this time, thanks to a great team (our label, our management and of course, our awesome fans) it's on. Thank you all!” – Alex Skolnick

Dark Roots of Earth First-Week Chart Positions Around the Globe:
#21 Austria Top 75
#62 Belgium Top 100
#86 Belgium Flanders
#40 Belgium Walloonia
#12 Canadian Top 200
#4 Germany Top 100
#4 Finland Top 50
#13 Ireland Top 20
#32 Netherlands Top 200
#10 Switzerland (CH)
#57 United Kingdom Top 200
#3 United Kingdom Indie Top 40
#3 United Kingdom Rock Top 40