Search - Testament :: Souls of Black

Cut them some slack.

Mr.Vengeance | Canada | 09/13/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Souls of Black is not Testament's finest album. That much is true. However, it isn't a bad record. The truth behind this recording is that the band was rushed into recording it, so it would be released at the same time as a European "Clash of the Titans" tour, featuring Megadeth and Slayer. The band has never liked it. But, there are some good songs here. (Good old vinyl years) Side one is strong. So, the first six tunes are pretty good. And side two starts with Malpractice which is okay as well. The Legacy is also a very good song. So, there's enough here to give it at least 3 stars. Where Souls of Black falters is on the production end. The sound is too thin, and not loud enough. The drums are buried way back in the mix too often. The bass is also lost in some songs. It's hard to headbang to this album, because it's just not HARD, even if the songs are heavy. But, it does provide some decent listening for metal fans. It was definately, at the time, fairly progressive thrash metal. Not the worst album you could have in your collection."

Testament Rules

Justiceforall | Home | 07/08/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Souls Of Black is a great album by Testament. I can't understand why there are so many negative reviews. Sure there are a few fillers but some of the songs are amazing. For example the songs Souls Of Black, Seven Days Of May, and The Legacy are some of the best songs Testament have ever done. The highlight of this album is the guitar of Alex Skolnick, he really rips it up on this album, even more then on there previous efforts. The Legacy is an amazing ballad and Skolnicks solos on that song are just amazing. I really don't see what there is on this album that seems to be not likable. Everything is great, there are awesome riffs, cool lyrics and vocals, and some of the best guitar solos I have ever heard. If you like Testament or thrash metal then your collection cant be complete without Souls Of Black. I can't imagine my life if I had never heard the song The Legacy, it is that awesome. BUY THIS ALBUM!"

I apologize

D. Grant | Bridgewater, New Jersey United States | 02/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I wrote an earlier review where I gave this CD two stars. I owe an appology to the band and the shoppers for that. What this CD really suffers from is production. I didn't start to appreciate it until I got a new and better stereo. It's too damn quiet for me, as are all of Testament's earlier albums. They don't do the band justice. But the guitar playing kicks ass. Alex Skolnick was the best lead in thrash metal, and this is the last album I know where he'd show it. The bass and drums are origional Testament's usual quality, and Chuck Billy does a great job on vox as always. Buy this album, especially at $12, its worth it almost just for Skolnick's jaw dropping solo on "Face in the Sky". Just try and find a good stereo to play it on."