- Megaforce Records
Testament's "Souls of Black" (1990) pushed thrash metal's boundaries. The album blends relentless aggression with surprising melodic depth and hints of progressive influences. While still a thrash powerhouse, Testament proved the genre could mature and evolve. "Souls of Black" on vinyl offers a powerful listening experience thanks to its raw, warm sound.
Released in 1990, Testament's fourth album, "Souls of Black," solidified their place as titans of the thrash metal scene. This ten-track sonic assault on Megaforce Records delivered a potent blend of aggression and melody, showcasing the band's technical prowess and Chuck Billy's distinctive roar.
The late 80s and early 90s saw thrash metal push its boundaries. While many bands were content to repeat the formula of breakneck tempos and unrelenting aggression, Testament dared to expand their musical horizons. "Souls of Black" reflects a maturation of their sound, evident in a greater emphasis on melody and diverse songwriting.
The album opens with the pummeling "Beginning of the End," setting the tone for a whirlwind ride of thrashing riffs, double-kick drumming, and scorching guitar solos. Tracks like "Face in the Sky" and "Falling Fast" showcase the band's ability to weave intricate instrumental sections with catchy hooks, while "Souls of Black," the title track, is a mid-tempo anthem that embodies the album's thematic exploration of darkness and despair.
"Souls of Black" also features moments of unexpected melody. "Love to Hate" injects a dose of punk rock energy, and "The Legacy" offers a melancholic ballad that showcases Billy's vocal range. The album closes with the epic "Seven Days of May," a powerful track that reflects on the horrors of war.
Album Description & Collectors information:
"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. |
Music Genre: American Thrash Metal |
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 - Mastering Engineer Uncover the Genius of Tom Coyne 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 |
Record Label & Catalognr: Megaforce 7567-82143 |
Album Packaging: This album "TESTAMENT - Souls of Black" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
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" |
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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In 1987, a storm erupted from the San Francisco Bay Area, changing the landscape of metal forever. Testament, a young and hungry thrash band, unleashed their debut album "The Legacy" upon the world, and it quickly became a revered classic
- The Legacy (1987, Canada) - The Legacy (1987, Germany)
"Live at Eindhoven" serves as a potent snapshot of Testament during their formative years. The band had just released their debut album, the critically acclaimed 'The Legacy', and were rapidly solidifying their status
Live at Eindhoven 12" Vinyl EP
The second album by American heavy metal band Testament, titled "The New Order", holds a significant place in the band's discography. Released on 10 May 1988, this album propelled Testament into the thrash metal mainstream
The New Order 12" Vinyl LP
The album opens with the pummeling "Beginning of the End," setting the tone for a whirlwind ride of thrashing riffs, double-kick drumming, and scorching guitar solos. Tracks like "Face in the Sky" and "Falling Fast"
Souls of Black 12" Vinyl LP