Customer Reviews

Live in London

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The great--but always underrated--Eighties thrash band return in full swing with their "classic"/original lineup (which consists of Chuck Billy, Alex Skolnick, Eric Peterson, Greg Christian, and Louie Clemente and John Tempesta). And, as this live album (which was recorded in London earlier this year) proves, Testament have barely missed a beat over their 22 years of existence (even though they've had several lineup changes).

Since axeman Alex Skolnick originally left the band because he didn't approve of the ultra-heavy direction Testament were headed, it's not surprising this concert set list doesn't include any songs from the group's newer albums (like "The Gathering," which fused death metal with thrash). But, other than missing a few new songs, "Live In London" is virtually the same as a Testament Greatest Hits album (only with clapping, cheering, and banter between songs). Every song on here is perfectly (or nearly perfectly) executed, and this album is so energetic, the only time it slows down is for track eleven ("The Legacy").

It's very exciting that Alex Skolnick (at least temporarily) rejoined the band, but it's even cooler that he's in top form, here. His searing riffs and wailing solos prove that he truly is master of his instrument. "Over The Wall" and "Raging Waters," which are scorching songs with blistering guitar work, maybe illustrate his talent best, and tracks one and three, "The Preacher" and "The Haunting" are two examples of his great leads.

"Practice What You Preach," "Let Go Of My World," and "Raging Waters" are the catchiest tunes on this album, but every other song is great, too. "The New Order" has fast, chugging riffs and a superb, lengthy solo, and "Sins Of Omission" has more wonderful Skolnick shredding (including an almost careening guitar intro). Two other highlights are "Into The Pit" (which Chuck admits to the audience that they made this song to get the mosh pits swirling), and "Trial By Fire." Both of these songs fly by with barely any control and sound downright awesome.

"Live In London" is definitely worth buying, and it's almost everything a fan could ask for. Now if only the rumors of Alex rejoining the band full time are true, then our dreams will be completely fulfilled.

What a recording!! Want real, in your face metal, check out Billy and the boys. This cd showcases the original, reunited line up and delivers the goods!! Whether you're an old time fan or seeking them out for the first listen, this live recording will not fail you. Bravo, for old school metal that sounds even better today. Thanks Testament for still rocking!

I Only have the DVD of this show in London from these generals of Metal, the sound and the image is INCREDIBLE, Im glad to see these guys together again... but i must say even though seeing Clemente back behind the drums, Tempesta stole the show with Skolnick, this guy is a killer drummer and great for Testament and nuff said for Skolnick. But all the guys looked good and played a tremendous show.

Testament still rules and Chuck Billy sounds and looks better than ever!

If you're already a Testament fan, then LoL is a great addition to your collection. If you're new to Testament, then this is a great way to sample their early material without buying all the CDs (see also: First Strike Still Deadly--a re-recording of material off their first two albums). This is a good, solid live album.

Recommended.

this is great the originial band back together plus john Tempesta( I geuss louie coaldn't handle a full set?) excellent sound alex pull for all the old solo's classically and most without a tremlo bar.they proved that the old dogs dont need new tricks just balls to do it!Chuck was the least impressive member his voice seams to have suffered due to his health but he was 95 persent whole with some troubles.other wise the best I've seen testament in more than 10 years solid,hard and never faultering.I can't wait to see If they do a cd with this origial band again.

I am 37 years old and have been a fan since the beginning. Seen them many times live. They still have it. Every song sounds tight and true. Both drummers rock. The one song that I would have liked on this CD is Burnt Offerings, that is a smokin song man!! I have the DVD version also, equally awsome. Get the CD and DVD and Thrash Out!!

Wow, what a cool album. Testament are true thrash metal giants. A must have for all metal fans!

You have to get this cd! This line up is killer and the sounds is like being right there in front line. If you wanna hear some real trash metal you should get this!! totally worth your money buy this!

I will NEVER listen to MetallicA again as long as I live, not while there is TestAmenT.

Screw MetallicA.

TestAmenT is a million times better.

Listen to this concert CD and get the DVD and watch and listen to this bad boy a few times over, and you'll give up on MetallicA as well.

Total kick-you-in-the-face Thrash Metal for what it is worth.

Headbang till you can't headbang no more type of music.

Not a bad song on here.

This is their greatest hits of their early stuff, from the first 5 CDs.

Awesome engery and awesome music = Awesome concert.

After watching or listening to this concert either on the CD or the DVD, go back and either re-listen to or just buy for the first time, those first 5 TestAmenT CDs.

It is worth it.