Formed in 1983 and a force to be reckoned with to this day, Bay Area metal lifers Testament are confusingly both one of the most legendary thrash acts of all time and one of its most underrated.
Once voted by Revolver readers as the greatest non-“Big 4” thrash band, they’ve consistently ripped for more than 40 years, their 14-album catalog a true testament to metal endurance. Evolving from the new order into seasoned scene veterans, their lineup has showcased the exquisite yell of Chuck Billy, while also flexing progressive virtuosos like guitarist Alex Skolnick and fretless bass wiz Steve Di Giorgio. The drum stool has been home to two different Slayer skinsmen, a White Zombie member and Gene fucking Hoglan, among others.
But what is the greatest statement from Testament? The one thrash heads worship the most? We asked this question of our readers, and the faithful observed the following.
“Souls of Black”
A defiantly power-swung blues-metal protest song with a dynamite bass intro, the title cut to 1990’s Souls of Black finds Billy fully pissed-off over politicians doing constituents dirty while accepting “social bribes… so graciously.”
The lyrics are steeped in corporate glad-handing and sociopolitical dishonesty, but Revolver readers earnestly let us know that “Souls of Black” is one of the top Testament tracks. For fans, it’s one of many to have taken control of the heart of the heavy-metal nation.
“Electric Crown”
Well, here we go — the people have shown us in the comments that The Ritual’s high voltage “Electric Crown” rules more than most.
A driving mid-tempo pace propels this standout early Nineties track, which also features a bunch of eerily-chimed pinch harmonics.
Billy sings of an imminent “change of seasons,” and sure enough lead shredder Alex Skolnick would leave the band in the middle of the touring cycle behind The Ritual. Mercifully, he’d return to reclaim the crown in 2005.
“Return to Serenity”
One meme-crazed gif-er in our comments gave us their vote through a well-placed Seinfeld reference: “Serenity now!” They’re not joking around either, because “Return to Serenity” is an all-timer for a number of Testament’s faithful followers.
Released in a post “Black Album” landscape, 1992’s The Ritual sometimes had Testament testing the waters with tonally calmer, yet still massively impactful songs like their quasi-balladic “Return to Serenity.” While it eases off on the distortion and panicked thrash pacings, Skolnick’s vibrantly waggled, soul-screaming solo is one of his most memorable.
“Practice What You Preach”
Testament’s third album, 1989’s Practice What You Preach, marked a turning point in Testament’s ascension, being the first of the band’s albums to crack the Billboard 200. Part of what makes the album so grand is its opening title cut, a no-nonsense, bang-inducing mid-tempo anthem full of barbed-wire riffage and magma-hot soloing.
Billy brings raspy wisdom to the piece, speaking truth to power while suggesting we need to present ourselves honestly and practice what we preach. We reckon many metalheads have lost control while hearing him sermonizing over the untold cost of paying “the burnt bridge toll.”
“D.N.R. (Do Not Resuscitate)”
There’s a good reason why Revolver readers rallied around the leadoff track from 1999’s The Gathering: It kills.
Gather ‘round and let us tell you about why it rips so hard. For starters, it booms out the gates with a nasty yet melodic brand of Bay Area death-thrash. The song marks the on-record debut of temporary drummer and Slayer vet Dave Lombardo, who double-kicks his way to the moon and back with a relentless display of prowess. Billy gets especially growly while contemplating a great and possibly miserable hereafter.
While grim, it’s a wicked Testament song, and one listeners cannot live the rest of their lives without hearing another million times.