Testament - The Legacy 12" Vinyl LP Album

- German Release Megaforce Worldwide 781 741 , Atlantic Records

The German vinyl release of Testament's "The Legacy" brought the band's iconic debut to European thrash fans. It delivered the album's aggression and technicality in a classic format, becoming a prized possession for metalheads. This release solidified "The Legacy" as a thrash metal essential, connecting German fans to the Bay Area scene.

Front Cover Photo Of TESTAMENT - The Legacy

"The Legacy" Album Description:

In 1987, the blistering sounds of Testament's debut album "The Legacy" crossed the Atlantic to reach European metalheads. Released via Megaforce Worldwide and Atlantic Records, the German 12" vinyl LP became a sought-after item for thrash enthusiasts throughout the country.

While "The Legacy" didn't propel Testament into mainstream success, it solidified their reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the underground metal scene. Its blend of unrelenting aggression, technical guitar mastery, and socially conscious lyrics resonated with fans who craved uncompromising heavy music.

The German vinyl release became a testament to the album's enduring power. Tracks like "Over the Wall," "Burnt Offerings," and "Apocalyptic City" pulsed with ferocious energy, perfectly captured on the classic vinyl format. This pressing delivered the unfiltered intensity of Testament's sound, providing a visceral and immersive listening experience.

Music Genre:

Speed Thrash Metal Music 

Album Production: The album: "The Legacy" was produced by: Alex Perialas, Marsha Zazula, Jon Zazula

Recorded at Pyramid Sound Studios, Itha

  • Alex Perialas – Audio Engineer, Mixer, Record Producer

    In my book, his credit is the “this is gonna hit hard” stamp—Pyramid Sound vibes all day.

    Alex Perialas is an American audio engineer, mixer, and record producer who helped lock in the tight, punchy thrash sound of the mid-1980s through the early 1990s from Pyramid Sound Studios in Ithaca, New York—working with bands like Anthrax, Overkill, Testament, Nuclear Assault, S.O.D., and Flotsam & Jetsam. Later on, his work stretches into other lanes (Bad Religion, Pro-Pain), and he’s also been tied to teaching sound recording at Ithaca College—because apparently someone had to explain to the next generation how to make guitars sound like a chainsaw with manners.

  • Jon Zazula , also known as Jonny Z, revolutionized heavy metal by founding Megaforce Records, the label that launched Metallica, Anthrax, and Testament. A former record store owner turned music mogul, his fearless vision helped shape the thrash metal movement of the 1980s. His legacy continues to influence metal worldwide. Learn more about Jon Zazula .
    Marsha Zazula, co-founder of Megaforce Records, played a pivotal role in launching Metallica’s groundbreaking career during the early 1980s. With her sharp eye for talent and passion for heavy metal, she, alongside her husband Jon , helped bring Metallica’s debut album Kill ’Em All to life, shaping the thrash metal movement. Learn more about her impact here.

     Album Packaging 

    Original custom inner sleeve with album details, lyrics and photos. 

    Record Label & Catalognr:

    Megaforce Records 781 741 (781741) Atlantic Records 

    Media Format:

    12" Vinyl LP Record

    Year & Country:

    1987 Made in Germany
    Band Members and Musicians on: Testament The Legacy
      Testament Band/Musicians
    • Chuck Billy - Vocals
    • Alex Skolnick - Guitars
    • Eric Peterson - Guitars (Eric Peterson (Guitars) together with his cousin "Derrick Ramirez " founder of the American Thrash Metal band: "Legacy", which will be later renamed into "Testament".)
    • Greg Christian - Bass
    • Louie Clemente - Drums (Louis Clemente is founder of the Testament band.)
    Complete Track Listing of: Testament The Legacy
      Side One:
    1. Over the Wall
    2. The Haunting
    3. Burtn Offerings
    4. Raging Waters
    5. C.O.T.L.O.D
      Side Two:
    1. First Strike is Deadly
    2. Do or Die
    3. Alone in the Dark
    4. Apocalyptic City
    Front Cover Photo Of TESTAMENT - The Legacy
    Front Cover Photo Of TESTAMENT - The Legacy

     

    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 )

    Photo Of The Back Cover TESTAMENT - The Legacy
    Photo of album back cover TESTAMENT - The Legacy

    The album back cover has a photo of the long-haired band-members of Testament.

    Photo One Of The Original Custom Inner Sleeve TESTAMENT - The Legacy
    Photo One Of The Original Custom Inner Sleeve TESTAMENT - The Legacy

    The lyrics of all the songs on "Legacy" are printed on the original custom inner sleeve.

    Photo Two of the original custom inner sleeve TESTAMENT - The Legacy
    Photo Two of the original custom inner sleeve  TESTAMENT - The Legacy

    A large half-page photo of the Testament band on the original custom inner sleeve of the "Legacy" album.

    Close up of record's label TESTAMENT - The Legacy Side One:
    Close up of record's label TESTAMENT - The Legacy Side One

    Megaforce Worldwide 781 741.1 Record Label Details: GEMA/BIEM Atlantie LC 8121

    Testament: Four Decades of Politically Charged Thrash Metal.

    TESTAMENT - The Legacy (Canadian and German Releases) 12" Vinyl LP
    TESTAMENT - The Legacy  album front cover vinyl record

    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)
    TESTAMENT - Live at Eindhoven
    TESTAMENT - Live at Eindhoven album front cover vinyl record

    "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
    TESTAMENT - The New Order
    TESTAMENT - The New Order album front cover vinyl record

    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
    TESTAMENT - Souls of Black
    TESTAMENT - Souls of Black album front cover vinyl record

    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