Low is the sixth studio album by American thrash metal band Testament, released on September 30, 1994. It was the band's first album to feature a new lineup, with guitarist James Murphy and drummer John Tempesta replacing Alex Skolnick and Louie Clemente respectively. This was also Testament's last studio album for 14 years to include bassist Greg Christian, who quit the band in 1996 and rejoined a decade later for two more albums, The Formation of Damnation (2008) and Dark Roots of Earth (2012), before leaving again over financial disputes. Background Low would be Testament's last album with Atlantic Records, leading group members to create their own label Burnt Offerings Inc. as part of the change; like its predecessor The Ritual, it was released and distributed only by Atlantic, whereas their first four studio albums were co-released through Megaforce Records. Released at a time when the grunge, alternative rock and pop punk genres were all dominating the mainstream, this album marked something of a major departure from the band's earlier works, consisting of elements of groove metal, progressive metal, hard rock, death metal and alternative metal, while it saw Testament staying true to their classic thrash roots. Regarding the album's musical direction, guitarist Eric Peterson recalled in a 2013 interview with Spotlight Report: Low was recorded with primary band members Eric Peterson (rhythm guitar), Greg Christian (bass), and Chuck Billy (vocals). It also saw the first of two Testament album appearances by John Tempesta (drums), and three James Murphy (guitar). Long time Testament collaborator Del James is given composer and vocal credits on the album. Additionally, a music video was filmed for the title track. Low is dedicated to Savatage guitarist Criss Oliva, who died while Testament was working on the album, and is thanked in the liner notes ("may Criss rest in peace"). Alex Skolnick, who had left Testament two years earlier, briefly replaced Oliva when Savatage was recording their eighth studio album Handful of Rain, which was released a month before Low. Testament toured for approximately two years to promote Low, playing with bands like Machine Head, Downset., Korn, Forbidden, Kreator, At the Gates, Moonspell, Crowbar, Suffocation and Gorefest. As had happened during the accompanying tour for The Ritual, the band had faced a few lineup changes during the Low era. Tempesta left Testament right after the album was finished to join White Zombie, and was replaced by