A Beginners Guide To Thrash Metal

By Ben Timpson /

7. Testament €“ Practice What You Preach €“ 1989

Starting out life called Legacy, then changing their name to €˜Testament€™ before they released their debut, which they called €˜The Legacy€™. These Bay-Area bruisers were, along with Exodus, the most likely contenders to be the fifth band to be included if the €˜The Big Four€™ were, €˜The Big Five€™. This is the third release from the band and perfectly showcases their song writing prowess. They even had a minor MTV and radio hit with the title track and, €˜The Ballad.€™ The first five albums are seen as essential, and feature the recently reformed classic line up. Vocalist, and native Indian Chuck Billy has as big a voice as he is in person (almost seven foot tall) and what he can€™t do with it isn€™t worth talking about. Often mentioned when in regards to Testament is the talents of lead guitarist Alex Skolnick, who is a jazz trained virtuoso. However, it is in Eric Peterson, main songwriter and second guitarist, that their real strength lies. A rhythm player of an exceedingly high standard, his ever present guidance has made sure everything has stayed pure metal and unmistakably, €˜Testament€™, even with the bands nineties-era forays into Death Metal territory which are some die-hard fans favourite albums. Third track, €˜Envy Life€™ has all that€™s good about Testament!