TESTAMENT “Souls Of Black” /LP/

The debut full-length studio album by legendary American Thrash Metal band.
Comparable to Slayer, Megadeth and Metallica, Testament is one of Thrash Metal's more accessible and best-known bands. “The Legacy” was an Underground hit and is widely considered to be the band's best album, although it did not break the band into the Rock mainstream. Testament quickly earned respect in Thrash Metal circles with its debut album, a relentlessly heavy and promising effort focusing on such subjects as the occult, witchcraft, nuclear war and global destruction. A song titled "The Legacy" was later released on the 1990 album “Souls Of Black”.
Atlantic Recording Corporation/Megaforce Records, Inc., 1987 (7567-81741-2). Made in Germany.


Tracklist:
1. Over The Wall 04:04
2. The Haunting 04:11
3. Burnt Offerings 05:03
4. Raging Waters 04:30
5. C.O.T.L.O.D. 02:28
6. First Strike Is Deadly 03:41
7. Do Or Die 04:36
8. Alone In The Dark 04:01
9. Apocalyptic City 05:48
Total playing time: 38:21 min.

The eighth full-length studio album by legendary American Thrash Metal band.
Originally released in 1999, the album came at a time when the Metal’s winds were shifting: Nu-Metal had peaked, Death Metal was on the rise, and every classic band under the sun seemed to be reuniting. Testament always capable of weathering any industry storm, faced the challenge by creating one of the most brutal and relevant albums in its career.
Co-produced by the last original remaining band members at that time Chuck Billy and Eric Peterson, this is the first album featuring new artists James Murphy (Death, Obituary), Steve DiGiorgio (Death, Sadus, Autopsy) and Dave Lombardo (Slayer). Billy, Peterson and Lombardo, along with long time Testament collaborator Del James, are also given composer credits on the album.
The album was reissued 2008 with an instrumental bonus track increasing the new track total to twelve.
"The Gathering" reached #48 on the German album charts.
This is one of the most furious and inspired modern Thrash Metal albums ever and one of Testament’s best. This is a brilliant Thrash Metal album. Fans of the genre should own this album, if only because good Thrash Metal albums were a rarity back in the late 1990’s. But even if that wasn’t true, this is a quality album that deserves to be heard by anyone who has a heart for this genre!
Reissue from 2022 with a back cover, that differs in barcode and label info from the reissues in 2018 and 2020. This is supposed to be a misprint, because the catalogue number NB 4277-1 on both labels already belongs to the three versions of In Flames “Down, Wicked & No Good”. The correct catalogue number is NB 4227-1.
Nuclear Blast Records, 1999/2022 (NB 42771 | NB 4227-1). Catalogue number misprint.


Tracklist:

Side A
01. D.N.R. (Do Not Resuscitate) 03:32
02. Down For Life 03:22
03. Eyes Of Wrath 05:26
04. True Believer 03:36
05. 3 Days In Darkness 04:41
06. Legions Of The Dead 02:7

Side B
01. Careful What You Wish For 03:30
02. Riding The Snake 04:13
03. Allegiance 02:37
04. Sewn Shut Eyes 04:15
05. Fall Of Sipledome 04:47
06. Hammer Of The Gods 03:13

Total playing time: 45:49 min.

The debut full-length studio album by legendary American Thrash Metal band.
Comparable to Slayer, Megadeth and Metallica, Testament is one of Thrash Metal's more accessible and best-known bands. “The Legacy” was an Underground hit and is widely considered to be the band's best album, although it did not break the band into the Rock mainstream. Testament quickly earned respect in Thrash Metal circles with its debut album, a relentlessly heavy and promising effort focusing on such subjects as the occult, witchcraft, nuclear war and global destruction. A song titled "The Legacy" was later released on the 1990 album “Souls Of Black”.
180 gram audiophile vinyl.
Atlantic Recording Corporation/Warner Music Benelux B.V./Music On Vinyl, 1987/2021 (MOVLP2817). Made in Netherlands.


Tracklist:

Side One
1. Over The Wall 04:04
2. The Haunting 04:11
3. Burnt Offerings 05:03
4. Raging Waters 04:30
5. C.O.T.L.O.D. 02:28

Side Two
6. First Strike Is Deadly 03:41
7. Do Or Die 04:36
8. Alone In The Dark 04:01
9. Apocalyptic City 05:48

Total playing time: 38:22 min.

The first re-release of the fourth full-length studio album by legendary American Thrash Metal band.
By 1990, Testament was one of Thrash Metal's Premier acts, easily standing tall with the Big Four of Thrash. An early Bay-area contender, the band has made three solid albums and were poised to make it big with their forth effort, "Souls Of Black".
The band certainly had found their signature sound by the time this album was recorded, and the band managed to capture that sound even without former producer Alex Perialas (this is the first album of Testament recorded without him). "Souls Of Black" unites the Thrashers with the better-known Michael Rosen. With Perialas having served Testament so well, many headbangers wondered how great an impact this change would have on the unit. But they needn't have worried - Testament sounds very much like it did on its three previous albums, and is as heavy as ever.
Although the band recorded this album without the usual producer, the line-up remained unchanged. By this point in the band's career, each member had made their talent known. Alex Skolnick as always managed to crank out some really impressive and melodic guitar solos, and a few of the riffs were extremely memorable. The drums and bass remain solid. The vocals sound very nice, with Chuck Billy giving some of his best performances in tracks like "The Legacy" and "Falling Fast".
In order to promote "Souls Of Black", Testament supported Megadeth, Slayer and Suicidal Tendencies in Europe on the Clash Of The Titans Tour.
The album entered the Billboard 200 album charts on November 3, 1990, peaking at number 73 and remaining on the chart for eight weeks. "Souls Of Black" is also seen as an influential guitar album, being ranked number nine on Guitar World Magazine's top ten list of guitar albums of 1990.
"Souls Of Black" did moderately well, but was not the huge success the band was hoping for. This album would be a precursor to more traditional styles of Metal found on its follow-up "The Ritual", and this release marked the end of an era for Testament. Though it did not introduce anything new and nowhere near as good as "The New Order" the music found here is still powerful and heavy as hell. "Souls of Black" is an acceptable effort for long-time fans of the band!!
Atlantic Recording Corporation, A Time Warner Company/Megaforce Records, Inc., 1990/1999 (7567-82143-2).  Made in Germany. Repress. 


Tracklist:
1. Beginning Of The End 00:36
2. Face In The Sky 03:53
3. Falling Fast 04:05
4. Souls Of Black 03:22
5. Absence Of Light 03:55
6. Love To Hate 03:40
7. Malpractice 04:43
8. One Man's Fate 04:49
9. The Legacy 05:30
10. Seven Days Of May 04:41
Total playing time: 39:17 min.

The first re-release of the sixth full-length studio album by legendary American Thrash Metal band.
Very heavy, sounds like Death Metal album. Wonderful mix of past and future, combining the original sound of Testament with heaviest and rawer material. Dark and deep growling vocals, side by side heavity, slowness with the gloom of songs, inspiring passion tirades about war, cruelty to a child, falsity of the gods..., drive and aggression, some darken, and sometimes generating anger.
It’s the first Testament release not to feature lead guitarist and founding member Alex Skolnick. The record was recorded with original band members Chuck Billy (vocals), Eric Peterson (guitar) and Greg Christian (bass). It also saw the first of two Testament album appearances by artist John Tempesta (drums), and three for artist James Murphy (guitar). Long time Testament collaborator Del James is given composer and vocal credits on the album.
"Low" was Testament's last album with Atlantic Records, leading band members to create their own label, Burnt Offerings Inc. as part of the change. Additionally, a music video was filmed for the title track.
In July 2014, Guitar World placed Low at number 40 in their "Superunknown: 50 Iconic Albums That Defined 1994" list.
All in all, Testament's sixth album is probably their most consistent offering. The band doesn't fall prey to their age-old clichés that dragged the band back and have finally found their stride. This is an effort that is to be respected, and deservedly so. A potent mix of Thrash Metal with a wide range of classic and modern influences coupled with good songwriting makes this an album a definite winner!!
Atlantic Recording Corporation, a Time Warner Company, 1994 (7657-82645-2) Made in Germany.


Tracklist:
1. Low 03:33
2. Legions (In Hiding) 04:18
3. Hail Mary 03:32
4. Trail of Tears 06:07
5. Shades of War 04:44
6. P.C. 02:51
7. Dog Faced Gods 04:02
8. All I Could Bleed 03:37
9. Urotsukidoji 03:41
10. Chasing Fear 04:56
11. Ride 03:16
12. Last Call 02:42
Total playing time: 47:21 min.

The third full-length studio album by the legendary American Thrash Metal band.
As the last installment of Testament's "big three" albums, a series of well-done Thrash Metal classics, "Practice What You Preach" comes in the last years of Thrash's Golden Age. With great production, clever riffs and astounding solos, as well as decent vocal work, this album is probably one of the best Metal albums of 1989 and a certain classic of the band. It also has a distinctive place at the frayed ends of Testament's prowess; before they turned into a less interesting and less creative style followed from "Souls of Black" through "Demonic".
This album has also had lots of impact on the Thrash community back then and one can see why. Of the most obvious reasons, you have Alex Skolnick. This god of a guitarist pretty much plays some awesome solos that sound very memorable and very technical at the same time. But, aside from that, Eric Peterson also delivers with well-done, memorable riffs and shredding; for example, the riffs of "Practice What You Preach" and "Sins of Omission" can attract you to the song from the first listen and hook you on to the rest of the album. Top all of that guitar work with Chuck Billy's decent vocals, add to it Greg Christian's great bass lines, and finally enjoy Louie Clemente's somewhat distinctive drumming style, and you get a Testament album at its finest.
Also, the originality is certainly a factor here, and one who is not experienced may actually mistake this album for Metallica. The Metallica imitation is at its best in this album, obviously, take Chuck's Hetfield-voice and listen to the guitars and drums in "The Ballad", as if it is "Fade to Black II". Still, though, the riffs and solos remain solid and original, and the sound is still a bit different, but this is perhaps the least original work Testament has put out.
Overall, this album is a great listen and a definite recommendation for Thrash Metal fans!!
"Practice What You Preach" entered the Billboard 200 album charts in September 1989, a month after its release. The album peaked at number 77 and remained on the chart for twelve weeks. By June 1992, album had sold over 450000 copies in the U.S.
Megaforce Records Inc./Atlantic Recording Corporation, a Warner Communications company, 1989 (7567-82009-2). Made in Germany. Re-press.



Tracklist:
1. Practice What You Preach 04:54
2. Perilous Nation 05:50
3. Envy Life 04:16
4. Time Is Coming 05:26
5. Blessed in Contempt 04:12
6. Greenhouse Effect 04:52
7. Sins of Omission 05:00
8. The Ballad 06:09
9. Nightmare (Coming Back to You) 02:20
10. Confusion Fusion 03:07
Total playing time: 46:10 min.

The fifth full-length studio album by legendary American Thrash Metal band.
The last studio album to feature drummer Louie Clemente and guitarist Alex Skolnick, until the latter rejoined the band in 2005. It was also their first album to be released and distributed only by the Atlantic, whereas Testament's previous four albums were co-released by Megaforce Records.
On "The Ritual", Testament began exploring a slower and more melodic approach, while still maintaining their Thrash roots. Certain songs on the album, including the title track (the longest song they had recorded at the time) and "Return To Serenity", also see the band continuing to explore a Technical and Progressive vein that was used on "Practice What You Preach" and "Souls Of Black".
In support of "The Ritual", Testament toured for over a year with bands like Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Megadeth, White Zombie, Corrosion Of Conformity, Pro-Pain, D.R.I., Green Jellÿ, Body Count and GWAR. By the end of 1992, during the middle of the tour, guitarist Alex Skolnick had decided to leave the band, with Clemente following suit. Several line-up changes took place before guitarist James Murphy and drummer John Tempesta were hired for the band's next album, "Low".
The album was a minor success, reaching No. 55 on the American Billboard 200. This would be Testament's highest position in their career, until 2012's "Dark Roots Of Earth", which reached No. 12 on the same chart. The record also spawned the band's only charting Single, "Return To Serenity", which reached No. 22 on Mainstream Rock Tracks. By June 2007, "The Ritual" had sold 485,000 copies in the United States.
Atlantic Recording Corporation, A Time Warner Company/Warner Music Manufacturing Europe, 1992 (7567-82392-2). Made in Germany. Re-press.


Tracklist:
1. Signs Of Chaos 0:45
2. Electric Crown 5:31
3. So Many Lies 6:04
4. Let Go Of My World 3:45
5. The Ritual 7:43
6. Deadline 4:47
7. As The Seasons Grey 6:16
8. Agony 4:07
9. The Sermon 4:48
10. Return To Serenity 6:25
11. Troubled Dreams 5:14
Total playing time: 55:16 min.

The second full-length studio album by legendary American Thrash Metal band.
With "The New Order" album, every bit as brutally forceful as "The Legacy", but the songs are even more memorable, the band delivered its best offering ever. It's a natural evolution in comparison with "The Legacy", with much more hooks and absolutely no filler! 
"The New Order" was the album that broke Testament into the Thrash Metal mainstream. This success would only grow with their next album, "Practice What You Preach".
It was also the band's first album to include an instrumental track.
“The New Order” entered the Billboard 200 album charts about three months after its release. The album peaked at number 136 and remained on the chart for thirteen weeks, making it Testament's longest run so far. "Trial by Fire" and "The Preacher" were released as Singles, but neither of them charted. By 1990, “The New Order” had sold over 250,000 copies in the U.S.
An essential Thrash outfit! For those purchasing their first Testament album, "The New Order" is the ideal choice!!
Megaforce Records Inc./Atlantic Recording Corporation, A Warner Communications Company, 1988 (7567-81849-2). Made in Germany. Re-press.


Tracklist:
1. Eerie Inhabitants 5:06
2. The New Order 4:25
3. Trial By Fire 4:14
4. Into The Pit 2:46
5. Hypnosis 2:04
6. Disciples Of The Watch 5:05
7. The Preacher 3:37
8. Nobody's Fault (Aerosmith cover) 3:57
9. A Day Of Reckoning 4:00
10. Musical Death (A Dirge) 4:05
Total playing time: 39:19 min.

The fourth re-release of the eighth full-length studio album by legendary American Thrash Metal band.
Originally released in 1999, the album came at a time when the Metal’s winds were shifting: Nu-Metal had peaked, Death Metal was on the rise, and every classic band under the sun seemed to be reuniting. Testament, always capable of weathering any industry storm, faced the challenge by creating one of the most brutal and relevant albums in its career.
Co-produced by the last original remaining band members at that time Chuck Billy and Eric Peterson, this is the first album featuring new artists James Murphy (Death, Obituary), Steve DiGiorgio (Death, Sadus, Autopsy) and Dave Lombardo (Slayer). Billy, Peterson and Lombardo, along with long time Testament collaborator Del James, are also given composer credits on the album.
The album was reissued in 2008 with an instrumental bonus track, increasing the new track total to twelve.
"The Gathering" reached #48 on the German album charts.
This is one of the most furious and inspired modern Thrash Metal albums ever, and one of Testament’s best. This is a brilliant Thrash Metal album. Fans of the genre should own this album, if only because good Thrash Metal albums were a rarity back in the late 1990s. But even if that wasn’t true, this is a quality album that deserves to be heard by anyone who has a heart for this genre!
Remastered re-release with a new cover art.
Nuclear Blast Records, 1999/2018 (27361 42272 | NB 4227-2). Made in Germany.


Tracklist:
01. D.N.R. (Do Not Resuscitate) 03:32
02. Down For Life 03:22
03. Eyes Of Wrath 05:26
04. True Believer 03:36
05. 3 Days In Darkness 04:41
06. Legions Of The Dead 02:7
07. Careful What You Wish For 03:30
08. Riding The Snake 04:13
09. Allegiance 02:37
10. Sewn Shut Eyes 04:15
11. Fall Of Sipledome 04:47
12. Hammer Of The Gods 03:13
Total playing time: 45:49 min.