On May 2, San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal veterans TESTAMENT kicked off their first North American headlining tour in support of 2008's critically acclaimed "The Formation of Damnation". The trek also features UNEARTH and LAZARUS A.D. For the tour, TESTAMENT is offering special VIP packages that include meet-and-greet opportunities, access to soundcheck, collectible laminate, an autographed poster, TESTAMENT music skins, a limited edition TESTAMENT messenger bag, and a chance to win a Dean Guitars Eric Peterson signature "Old Skull V" and TESTAMENT Darkstar skateboard.

TESTAMENT guitarist Alex Skolnick has issued the following update:

"We're just over two weeks into the tour and are having a blast. While it was great to do arenas last year on the Metal Masters tour [with JUDAS PRIEST, HEAVEN & HELL and MOTÖRHEAD], it is especially gratifying to do a complete set of music every night, and play venues such as the House Of Blues.

"Yesterday was my guitar tech Chris' birthday, and after our show at HOB, we all took over Nick's Bar in downtown Cleveland to celebrate with a lot of beers and metal on the jukebox.

"At every show, we've been meeting up with our awesome fans through the VIP packages. They get to watch us soundcheck, which really keeps us on our game. Then we take pictures, sign autographs etc. It's nice to hang out with them away from the usual mob scene that accompanies the shows. These fans are really appreciative of what we do, which inspires us. It's great to talk to them not just as faces in a crowd but one on one, where we get to hear their stories told in their own voices."

Fan-filmed video footage of TESTAMENT performing on May 4, 2009 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada can be viewed below.