Chuck Billy Unleashes His Story: 'Holding My Breath' Set for November Release

Get ready to dive headfirst into the tumultuous life of Chuck Billy, the iconic voice of Testament, as he prepares to unveil his memoir, Holding My Breath: The Two Testaments Of Chuck Billy, set to drop on November 10 through Permuted Press. This isn’t just another rock memoir; it's a raw testament to resilience, a journey that traverses the raging seas of thrash metal and the quiet battles against life-threatening adversity.

For over four decades, Chuck Billy has been a stalwart figure in the heavy metal scene, his voice echoing the struggles and triumphs of a generation. From the thunderous anthems like 1987’s “The Greenhouse Effect” to the introspective ballads of “Return To Serenity,” Billy has consistently pushed the envelope, blending powerful metal with poignant social commentary. With Testament's 2025 album already hailed as “Album of the Year” by Loudwire, Billy's relevance in the metal world remains unshakable.

But this memoir digs deeper than just the music. It chronicles a life steeped in cultural heritage, family bonds, and the relentless pursuit of passion against the backdrop of a devastating cancer diagnosis. The dual narratives—The Old Testament detailing the explosive birth of Bay Area thrash and The New Testament revealing a more vulnerable side—paint a comprehensive picture of a man who has not only survived but thrived amidst chaos.

As Billy puts it, “This book is about two versions of me that are really just one story.” The narrative weaves through the pain of illness and the healing power of community, culminating in the unforgettable Thrash Of The Titans concert, a defining moment that united rivals and reignited a genre.

Co-written with Dave Erickson, Holding My Breath promises an unfiltered look at the heart of thrash metal, intertwined with a deeply human account of identity and resilience. With a foreword by Rob Halford and an afterword by Randy Blythe, this memoir is not just a gift to Testament fans but to anyone who has faced their mortality and emerged with fire.

Mark your calendars for October 29, when Billy graces Changing Hands Bookstore in Phoenix, AZ, and don’t miss the celebratory launch party in Seal Beach, CA, on November 10 with Metal Ambassador Jose Mangin and comedian Brian Posehn. Chuck Billy has fought through the darkness and now, more than ever, his story deserves to be heard.