TESTAMENT SOULS OF BLACK Megaforce Records 12" LP VINYL Album
"Souls of Black" is the fourth album by American Thrash metal band Testament, released in 1990. It preceded several changes in style to rather diverse styles of metal.
"Souls of Black" is the fourth album by American Thrash metal band Testament, released in 1990. It preceded several changes in style to rather diverse styles of metal.
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Album Description & Collectors information: This album "TESTAMENT - Souls of Black" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos "Souls of Black" is the fourth album by American Thrash metal band Testament, released in 1990. It preceded several changes in style to rather diverse styles of metal. |
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Music Genre: |
American Thrash Metal |
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Album Production Information: The album: "TESTAMENT - Souls of Black" was produced by: Michael Rosen and Testament Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Michael Rosen, Vincent "Bro" Wojno This album was recorded at: Fantasy Studios, Berkeley California Tom Coyne (1954-2017) - Mastering Engineer Tom Coyne is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and respected mastering engineers in the music industry. With his exceptional talent, meticulous attention to detail, and a career spanning several decades, Coyne has played an instrumental role in shaping the sound of countless iconic albums. Born and raised in New Jersey, Tom Coyne developed a passion for music at an early age. He was captivated by the sonic nuances of records and the transformative power of the mastering process. Eager to pursue his dreams, Coyne embarked on a journey to acquire the technical skills and knowledge necessary to become a mastering engineer. Coyne's career began in the late 1970s when he joined the legendary Frankford/Wayne Mastering Labs in New York City. Under the guidance of experienced engineers, he honed his craft and gained a deep understanding of the intricacies of audio mastering. His exceptional ear for detail and innate musicality quickly set him apart, earning him a reputation for delivering exceptional sonic quality. In the 1980s, Coyne's career soared as he collaborated with a wide range of artists across various genres. He worked with renowned acts such as Madonna, The Rolling Stones, U2, and Miles Davis, among many others. His expertise in shaping the overall sound and balance of albums became sought after by both emerging artists and established superstars. As the music industry evolved and entered the digital age, Coyne adapted to the advancements in technology without compromising his commitment to excellence. He embraced digital mastering tools while staying true to his analog roots, ensuring that his work retained its signature warmth and clarity. This adaptability and dedication to quality made him a trusted collaborator for artists and record labels alike. Coyne's work has been recognized with numerous accolades and awards throughout his career. He has received multiple Grammy nominations and has been involved in Grammy-winning projects, solidifying his status as a mastering engineer of exceptional talent and expertise. Additionally, his contributions to the industry have been acknowledged by organizations such as the TEC Awards and the Recording Academy. Beyond his mastering work, Coyne is known for his mentorship and willingness to share his knowledge with aspiring engineers. He has lectured at universities, participated in industry conferences, and mentored emerging talents, helping to shape the next generation of mastering engineers. Bob Defrin - Art Direction Bob Defrin, a prominent figure in the world of graphic design and album cover art, is best known for his significant contributions as the director, graphic designer, and head of art for Atlantic Records. Born on April 13, 1946, Defrin's creative journey began in Brooklyn, New York, where he developed a passion for art from an early age. Defrin's career in the music industry took off in the 1980s, a pivotal era for Heavy Metal music. His unique artistic vision and ability to capture the essence of a band's sound through visual imagery made him a sought-after figure among musicians and record labels. As a director and graphic designer at Atlantic Records, Defrin played a pivotal role in shaping the visual identities of numerous Heavy Metal bands during this period. One of Defrin's notable accomplishments was his work on album covers. He understood the power of album artwork in conveying the spirit and energy of a band's music. Defrin's ability to translate the raw power and intensity of Heavy Metal into captivating visuals earned him widespread recognition and accolades. His designs often featured bold, eye-catching imagery, intricate details, and striking typography, perfectly complementing the music within. Defrin's portfolio boasts an impressive array of iconic album covers. Among his most renowned works are the covers for AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" (1979), "Back in Black" (1980), and "For Those About to Rock We Salute You" (1981). These covers captured the band's energy, attitude, and electrifying sound, becoming iconic symbols of Heavy Metal culture. Additionally, Defrin's artistic contributions extended beyond AC/DC. He collaborated with numerous other influential bands, including Twisted Sister, Bon Jovi, Krokus, and Skid Row, among others. Each album cover he designed encapsulated the essence of the respective band's music, making a lasting impact on the visual landscape of Heavy Metal. Bob Defrin's expertise in graphic design and his ability to understand and interpret the musical vision of Heavy Metal bands made him an invaluable asset to Atlantic Records. He left an indelible mark on the music industry, helping to shape the visual identities of some of the most influential Heavy Metal acts of the 1980s. Beyond his work with Atlantic Records, Defrin's influence continued to resonate in the field of graphic design. His unique style and contributions left a lasting impression on album cover art, inspiring generations of designers to think creatively and push the boundaries of visual storytelling. Bob Defrin's legacy as a director, graphic designer, and head of art for Atlantic Records endures as a testament to his immense talent and profound impact on the Heavy Metal genre. His ability to merge music and visual artistry has forever left an indelible mark on the history of album cover design. Album cover design: William Benson, Eric Peterson Album cover photography: Hiro Iro |
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Record Label Information: |
Megaforce 7567-82143 |
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Media Format: |
12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
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Year and Country: |
1990 Made in Germany |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: TESTAMENT - Souls of Black |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "TESTAMENT - Souls of Black" |
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The detailed tracklist of this record "TESTAMENT - Souls of Black" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "TESTAMENT - Souls of Black" |
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |
Album Back Cover Photo of "TESTAMENT - Souls of Black" |
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Inner Sleeve of "TESTAMENT - Souls of Black" Album |
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Photo of "TESTAMENT - Souls of Black" Album's Inner Sleeve |
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Photo of "TESTAMENT - Souls of Black" 12" LP Record |
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Close-up Photo of "TESTAMENT - Souls of Black" Record Label |
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Testament is an American thrash metal band that has been active since the 1980s. The band is known for their aggressive, fast-paced music and politically charged lyrics. Testament has released a number of critically acclaimed albums over the years, cementing their place as one of the most influential and respected bands in the metal scene.
Formed in 1983 in the San Francisco Bay Area, Testament was originally known as Legacy. The band underwent several lineup changes in their early years before settling on their current lineup, which consists of Chuck Billy on vocals, Eric Peterson and Alex Skolnick on guitars, Steve Di Giorgio on bass, and Gene Hoglan on drums.
Testament's music is heavily influenced by thrash metal pioneers like Metallica, Slayer, and Exodus, but the band has also incorporated elements of death metal and other subgenres over the years. Testament's early albums, such as "The Legacy" and "The New Order," are considered classics of the thrash metal genre, featuring blistering guitar riffs, complex drumming, and politically charged lyrics that dealt with issues like war, government corruption, and environmentalism.
Throughout the 1990s, Testament continued to release high-quality albums, including "Practice What You Preach" and "The Ritual." However, the band faced some challenges during this time period, including lineup changes and the rise of alternative and grunge music, which threatened to make thrash metal irrelevant. Despite these challenges, Testament remained dedicated to their craft and continued to release critically acclaimed albums.
In the 2000s, Testament experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to the growing interest in classic thrash metal among younger generations of metal fans. The band released a number of well-received albums during this time period, including "The Formation of Damnation" and "Dark Roots of Earth." Testament's music continued to evolve during this time, incorporating more melodic elements and progressive influences.
In addition to their studio albums, Testament is also known for their live performances, which are legendary in the metal scene. The band has toured extensively over the years, sharing the stage with other metal heavyweights like Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax. Testament's live shows are known for their high-energy performances, with the band members playing at breakneck speeds while still maintaining tight musicianship and stage presence.
Throughout their career, Testament has remained true to their roots, producing high-quality thrash metal that is both musically complex and socially conscious. The band's lyrics deal with important issues like war, government corruption, and environmentalism, making them a refreshing alternative to the mindless aggression that can sometimes characterize the metal genre.