Testament Albums: Worst to First
My personal ranking of the thrash legend's studio output. |
| 11 |  | Testament
Demonic
Testament always delivers albums with great intensity and creativity, however, "Demonic" feels slightly below par with the rest of the bands catalog. The lack of varying tempos and song structure hold this album back from being anything memorable. The only album I recommend skipping in the band's entire catalog.
Best Song: The Burning Times
2/5 |
| 10 | | Testament
Dark Roots of the Earth
Coming off their previous album, Testament had a lot to prove, sadly, it seems they fell drastically short. A solid first half slowly gradually its momentum, and the listener's interest. The album's biggest sin is the wasted potential that is "Cold Embrace".
Best Song: Dark Roots of the Earth
2.5/5 |
| 9 |  | Testament
Practice What You Preach
"Practice What You Preach" is the closest the band has ever came to mediocrity. Every late 80's thrash trope is present on this record, from bland musical composition to a restrained vocal performance from one of the greatest trash vocalist of all time. Disappointing to say the least. One of the major positives I can give the record is the outstanding production. That bass is KILLER.
Best Song: Nightmare (Coming Back to You)
2.5/5 |
| 8 |  | Testament
Souls of Black
Production takes a major downgrade on this album, but the songwriting takes a major upgrade. Mediocre tracks carry over from the previous release, but the highlight are this record's real saving grace.
Best Song: The Legacy
3/5 |
| 7 |  | Testament
The Legacy
Admirable debut record from the thrash legends, but comes nowhere close to matching their greatest works. However, great fun is to be had with this album. Songs like "Over the Wall" and "First Strike is Deadly" beat you over the head with their unsurpassed intensity.
Best Song: The Haunting
3.5/5 |
| 6 |  | Testament
Low
The very definition of underrated. Totally brutal vocals from our main man Chuck Billy, and killer riffs from Peterson keep the album flowing like a raging river. Jams aplenty on this one; Check it out!
Best Song: D.C.
4/5 |
| 5 |  | Testament
The Gathering
This is where Testament really found their calling, ultra-brutal thrash with a death metal tinge to top it off. Insane drum work for stand in Dave Lombardo only accentuates the pure power of the record. The only gripe to be had is the album gives the listener little time to breath, which may be viewed as a negative.
Best Song: D.N.R.
4/5 |
| 4 |  | Testament
The Ritual
A very misunderstood release from the band, but one that deserves more love than it currently receives. Testament toned down the thrash roots they were renowned for, and went for a more straightforward metal approach. The approach works like a charm, and standout tracks run amok throughout the record's 55 minute running time.
Best Song: Agony
4/5 |
| 3 |  | Testament
Brotherhood of the Snake
Continuing the winner trend the band has been on recently, "Brotherhood of the Snake" delivers the goods in all ways imaginable. Whether it be the intense grooves from the rhythm section or the outstanding vocal performance from from Chuck, "Brotherhood" will bless your eardrums from start to finish. From the bombastic title track to the spitfire intensity of the album's closer "Number Game" there is something here for every Testament fan to enjoy.
Best Song: Neptune's Spear
4.5/5 |
| 2 |  | Testament
The Formation of Damnation
"Formation", for me, is the album that highhandedly cemented Testament into legendary status. Not a dull moment to be had with this one, and not a single opportunity wasted throughout the entire track listing. Pop this disc into your car radio and you'll be ready to break land speed records.
Best Song: The Formation of Damnation
4.5/5 |
| 1 |  | Testament
The New Order
One of the most quintessential thrash record from the 80's, along side "The Years of Decay" and "Peace Sells". This record shows the band knows how to deliver just the right amount of ferociousness and melody to command the listener's undivided attention. The track listing reads like a best of, touting metal classics that will continue to stand the test of time.
Best Song: Trial By Fire
5/5 |
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