★★★★★
If we ever needed any further evidence of how thrash lifers Testament completely rule, look no further than this two-disc live album (how often can you say that?), which draws heavily upon their recent releases. And it does rule -- hard. With a fun, energetic, raw production sound, the band's enthusiasm shines through loud and clear, and while it's always excellent to hear a few old classics, and here they sound as good as ever, what comes out of this declaration is that the new material is...
- exclaim.ca
2013-10-12
★★★★★
The Bay Area thrash metal scene may be a distant memory to a large degree, but its keenest progenitors whose name doesn't begin with M are still pursuing the old template with the benefit of almost 30 years of expertise.
- recordcollectormag.com
2013-10-10
★★★★★
If you're tired of how the youngsters are trashing thrash metal these days, then welcome back Testament. If you're disgusted by the injection of the hardcore harshness into classic thrash metal, then welcome Testament's tenth studio album, Dark Roots of Earth. This is thrash metal done right, after all, they were there at the beginning, and they're one the best thrash band's still standing. Testament: to the power of classic thrash metal...
- www.dangerdog.com
2012-09-10
★★★★★
For the love of all that is metal, will Testament ever put out a bad album? Here, former drummer Gene Hoglan (Death, Strapping Young Lad, etc.) returns to the fold to provide the backbone for the always-impressive thrash band. Like their 2008 comeback disc, The Formation of Damnation, this is Testament at their finest: opener "Rise Up" perfectly encapsulates the heavy thrash sound the band have absolutely perfected...
- exclaim.ca
2012-08-09
★★★★★
Sound: Testament formed in 1983 with the release of their first album in 1986. They were one of the first thrash metal bands to sign to a major label, and one of the most popular thrash metal bands in the late 1980's. They have continued since that time to create great thrash metal albums. This will be the tenth full length studio release from Testament. Gene Hoglan returned on drums, having previously played on Testament's release, "Demonic", in 1997...
- www.ultimate-guitar.com
2012-08-07
★★★★★
4/5 On their 10th album, Bay Area titans Testament maintain their hard-won reputation as the only one of the major '80s thrash bands who still haven't released a crappy record. Even the mighty Slayer disappointed with 1998's nu-metal-tinged Diabolus in Musica, but Testament have been rock fucking solid since their 1987 debut...
- www.revolvermag.com
2012-07-19
★★★★★
Often placed by their fans as the fifth member of the thrash metal "Big Four" - said bands being , , and - created something of an albatross for their admittedly very sturdy necks with 2008's outstanding The Formation of Damnation album. The Californians' ninth studio set was, and remains, their career high...
- www.bbc.co.uk
2013-04-23
★★★★★
Sound: Testament's sound is actually quite mature on their second ever album, The New Order. Well not as fast as their debut, they know who they are, and they convey that well. The music itself, especially the intros, is eerie sometimes, giving the music character. The riffs are perfect thrash, and guitarist Alex Skolnick knows how to write good music. His work on "Musical Death (A Dirge)" is amazing...
- www.ultimate-guitar.com
2012-04-12
★★★★★
Sound: "Souls Of Black" is the fourth album by thrash metal legends Testament, released in 1990. Well, to be honest, I really think Testament never failed to make a good album. But to me, this is their finest hour. Alex Skolnick is one of the best thrash metal guitarists ever, if not the best. His technical skills are really great, and he sure thing know how to ally his technique to his feeling to make mindblowing solos...
- www.ultimate-guitar.com
2012-04-12