Search - Testament :: Practice What You Preach

Another great Testament disc

A. Stutheit | Denver, CO USA | 01/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Testament may not have invented thrash metal, but they are still a very underrated band. The musicians in Testament are equally as talented as anybody in thrash's Big Four bands (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax), and they are more hook oriented than many speed metal bands. Lead guitarist Alex Skolnick's solos are a lot more technical than Slayer's, and are usually every bit as breathtaking as Metallica's. The guitar shredding on Testament's third studio album, "Practice What You Preach" (which was released in 1989), is, of course, no exception. Even when the rest of the band (especially the drummer) sounds somewhat generic, Skolnick soars on every track with fiery, blowtorch riffs and wonderful solos. "Time Is Coming" and the title track are both catchy numbers with chugging riffs, thumping drums, and vocals which almost echo James Hatfield (plus "Practice What You Preach" has a shout a long of "preach!" in the chorus.) These songs are also both capped off by a lengthy, wailing guitar solo. Likewise, "Perilous Nation" features up and down, classical-sounding guitar work, "Envy Life" has an ascending solo, and "Sins of Omission" is highlighted by another superb, very complex solo which has several different parts to it. Other standout tracks include "The Ballad" and the instrumental (albeit brief) album closer, "Confusion Fusion." The former track, "The Ballad," kind of sounds like Metallica's 1986 single, "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)," because it begins as a power ballad with acoustic plunking, but it gradually builds and gains momentum. Over the years, this album has taken a slight dip in sound quality, but it has aged better than some of the music from the Eighties. Testament may not be as iconic as some thrash bands, but albums like "Practice What You Preach" prove that they definitely should be. This is another great, must-own album from one of thrash's most important, most underrated, and finest bands."

Ten tracks of thrashy goodness!

Wheelchair Assassin | The Great Concavity | 06/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Right from the outset of the title track, "Practice What You Preach" is some roaringly infectious old school thrash. With lots of ripping riffs, Chuck Billy's unmistakable howl, and just enough use of melody to please the ear, this is doubtless one of the underappreciated gems of the thrash era. With the exception of the aptly titled "The Ballad," the album never deviates from its formula of energetic, fist-pumping metal, with some top notch musicianship to boot; you especially have to love Alex Skolnick's blazing solos. I'm not going to bother citing specific songs, as they're all excellent and I don't care for song-by-song reviews anyway. In conclusion, BUY BUY BUY!"

TESTAMENT 89

Daniel Gardskar | SWEDEN | 03/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"THIS IS MY FAVOURITE ALBUM WITH TESTAMENT ..CLASSIC OLD TRASH WITH MELODIC TUNES :THIS RECORD IS ONE OF THE ALBUMS THAT YOU MUST HAVE IF YOU ARE INTO TRASH :::SOME PEOPLE SAYS THAT THEIR FIRST ALBUM IS THE BEST BUT THEY ARE TOTALLY WRONG.. ITS EVEN BETTER THAN THE NEW ORDER ALBUM ...THE BEST TRACKS ON THIS ALBUM IS SINS OF.. AND THE TITLETRACK ...BUY THIS RECORD TODAY AND YOU WILL GET A NEW FAVOURITE IN YOUR RECORD COLLECTION"