Testament “Low” Atlantic, 1994 Gloon: Long time thrashers Testament return with their sixth offering of melodic thrash. Joining Chuck and Peterson this time round are guitarist James Murphy (Death, Disincarnate), Greg Christian on bass and future White Zombie drummer John Tempesta. The result in my eyes is Testament’s finest moment. From the intense opening of the title track ‘Low’ you notice the impact of James Murphy to the mix, this is going to be one hell of a ride. This album kicks arse from start to finish with strong song writing, top-notch production and ohhhhh the riffs. From the huge balls to the walls guitars of ‘Hail Mary’ to the Death Metal intensity of ‘Dog Faced Gods’ this is Testament at their creative best. Present are the typical Testament trade marks the ballad “Trail of Tears’ which slowly builds up into a monster! and the Metallica tribute (the musical Urotsukidôji).  But for me the treat is in Chuck Billy’s vocals ranging from his traditional voice, to Death Metal bottom end, to softly sung passages, wow what a performance. This album is a killer with plenty of variation and a few surprises; it is one of my favourite traditional/thrash albums of the Nineties. Favourite Tracks – Low, Chasing Fear, Ride Mark – 9/10 Testament “Demonic” Burnt Offerings, 1997 Gloon: The revolving door policy is in place again with Glen Alvelais on lead and Derrick Ramírez on bass and the mighty Gene Hoglan (Death, Dark Angel, Old Mans Child and many more) taking over the stool. For starters ‘Demonic’ is a very different album to ‘Low’ as the band heads in a more ‘Death Rock’ direction with more bottom end and less clear vocals (Chuck uses his deeper voice predominantly) creating a much heavier and sombre atmosphere. I personally liked the new sound, however I found that the song writing just wasn’t as strong as it was on ‘Low’ and the band definitely misses Murphy.  However Demonic is far from bad with the brute power of the opener ‘Demonic Refusal’ and the catchy if slightly cheesey ‘John Doe’. This album is more of a grower and isn’t as immediately grabbing as ‘Low’ however if you’ve liked Testament up till now than there is no reason why you won’t like this. A solid album with plenty to offer. Favourite Tracks – The Burning Times, Together as One, New Eyes of Old Mark – 8/10 Testament “The Gathering” Burnt Offerings/Spitfire, 1999 Gloon: Testament collaborators read like the who’s who of the scene with this line up being no exception. This time round Chuck and Peterson welcome back James Murphy on lead and recruit Steve DiGiorgio (Control Denied, Iced Earth, Death) on bass and the ex-Slayer current Grip Inc pounder Dave Lombardo (who says Norway are the only ones that can create ‘Supergroups’). For those who found ‘Demonic’ a little disappointing ‘The Gathering’ will more than satisfy. Carrying over the new heavy sound from the pervious album and mixing it with the guitar wizardry of ‘Low’, ‘The Gathering’ is the perfect medium. The album is Testament all over, so for those who have never liked the band, sorry nothings changed, but for those of us that eagerly await our next air guitar inspiring fix, then its heaven.  From the outset Testament lay down the law, with the first couple of songs racing bye like you had been listening to them for years. ‘True Believer’ in my opinion could have been a hit for the band with the haunting chorus and easy tempo, but that’s as close to a ballad (not very close at all!) as your going to get as Testament rip through a stack of songs of high quality thrashened metal. A top album and another notch to Testament’s belt, keep em coming. Favourite Tracks - D.N.R. (Do Not Resuscitate), Down For Life, Fall Of Sipledome Mark – 8.5/10 Testament - First Strike Still Deadly Spitfire, 2001 Gloon: With 'First Strike Still Deadly' Testament have pitted their newfound production skills and prowess against their old classics to produce a new slant on their first two albums. FSSD consists of tracks from their debut 'The Legacy' and its follow up 'The New Order' all re-recorded with 'Low' drummer John Tempesta and old pre 'The Legacy' and ex Exodus vocalists Steve Souza making appearances. This album is a credit to Testaments longetivity and strength of their material with all the songs still packing one hell of a punch after more than a decade since being first penned. 'Over the Wall', 'Disciples of the Watch' and the mosh anthem 'Into the Pit' all bring back pleasant memories of when thrash used to rule the metal world. If you are a long time fan and wish to here the songs millennium style, or just a young whipper who wants to know what all the Testament fuss is about, this album caters for all. A brilliant album and great concept, which other bands could learn from and duplicate. Favourite Tracks - Burnt Offerings, Over the Wall, Into the Pit Rating - 9/10

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