| Written by Alex Stojanovic TESTAMENT IS: Chuck Billy - Vocals Alex Skolnick - Lead guitars Eric Peterson - Rhythm guitars Steve DiGiorgio - Bass Chris Dovas - Drums Release Date: July 12, 2024 / Label: Nuclear Blast Records Website: www.testamentlegions.com |
Back when both albums were released in 1987 and 1988 respectively, the band have gone on record to say that the production on both records were a little iffy, particularly in the drum department. These were two records that I personally as a fan felt could have used some touch-ups, and in listening to the newly released remastered versions, I can definitely say that the drums in particular sound much more like they should. Having been listening to these records for as long as I've been a Testament fan, the issue I've always had with the production quality was that during the skank beats in particular, the snare would almost get lost, but would be a bit more present during the back beats.
The problem is that people always tend to confuse the word "remaster" with "remix". When you remix, you tend to add a whole new tone to the drums or even the vocals (ask Dave Mustaine), whereas remastering is just enhancing the volume of the entire mix or certain instruments, or cleaning up some clutter in the production. Judging by some YouTube comments, some people clearly got confused when the band announced these re-releases, because certain people claimed they didn't hear any differences compared to the originals. Well, it's the original production, just cleaned up of clutter and the volume is enhanced. The bass and drums are also more up front in the mix compared to the original mixes.
The Legacy and The New Order are no doubt certified classics not only in the Testament discography and in thrash history, but in metal history as a whole. Sure, they might not be in the spotlight as much as Master Of Puppets, Reign In Blood and Rust In Peace, but when you've got classic thrash anthems like "Into The Pit" and "Over The Wall" in your catalog, and both albums often mentioned in lists of the best debut and sophomore albums in metal of all time, you know you did something right. The other thing that's worth noting is that both remasters are re-released through Nuclear Blast, so I can only imagine the legalities that surrounded the purchasing of the rights from Atlantic and Megaforce. I personally think Testament did the right thing in giving these two classic LPs the treatment that they deserve. I'm sure many old school fans may feel the same way as well.
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