Review by Ben for Testament - The New Order (1988)

Without a doubt the best Testament album, The New Order played a large role in my teenage years. While it was Practice While You Preach that first drew my attention, this was the album that made me absolute love this band. It's true to say that a big reason for that is due to the fantastic thrash metal song writing that the band produced with tracks like The New Order, Trial by Fire and Disciples of the Watch. But I have to say the main reason is due to the exquisite guitar work on this album, especially by Alex Skolnick. Listen to the instrumentals Hypnosis and Musical Death for examples of just beautiful guitar playing.

But I'll be the first to admit that The New Order isn't a perfect album, nor is it worthy of 5 stars. The first 6 tracks are quality, but then it loses its intensity with The Preacher, Nobody's Fault and A Day of Reckoning dropping the ball slightly. In particular, the Aerosmith cover Nobody's Fault, while being a decent enough cover, stands out like a sore thumb on this album. I don't like covers if they are going to shift the intensity and atmosphere of an album and this is a perfect example of that happening.

All this said, I still love The New Order and listen to it often, even after 30 years. Oh man that makes me feel old! 30 Years!!!!!!!!