San Francisco Bay Area metallers Testament have released the following statement:

"To all our friends in China and Taiwan:

"It is with regret that we must inform you of the cancellation of our performances in Shanghai and Taipei until further notice due to visa issues beyond the control of the band or promoter. Fans in the Asian Pacific region are encouraged to come visit us at our shows in Japan. As we had a terrific experience performing in China and Taiwan in 2007, we eagerly await the resolution of the visa issues and hope to visit again very soon.

"Thanks for your understanding and your undying support."

Testament's February 15 concert at the Paramount Theatre in Huntington, New York as part of "The Dark Roots Of Thrash" tour was professionally filmed for a 90-minute Dvd, to be released later this year via Nuclear Blast.

"We haven't shot a live Dvd or Cd since our 'Live In London' release and we've had two killer albums since then," commented Chuck Billy. "We thought it would be cool to put out a live Dvd/Cd focusing on the last three records ('The Gathering', 'The Formation Of Damnation' and 'Dark Roots Of Earth') mixed in with a good amount of classics, too. Last time we recorded anything live in America was for 'Live At The Fillmore' on the West Coast. This time we thought we'd give the East Coast a chance to show the world how crazy and loud they can be."

Testament's new album, "Dark Roots Of Earth", sold more than 20,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No, 12 on The Billboard 200 chart. The Cd arrived in stores on July 31, 2012 via Nuclear Blast Records.

"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. The cover artwork for the effort (see below) was painted by Eliran Kantor, who has previously worked with Atheist, Sigh, Anacrusis and Gwar, among others.