TESTAMENT ‘Live In London’ DVD
Eagle Rock (2005)
For a band that hasn't recorded any albums in the last six years, Testament have been remarkably popular lately! I really cannot remember the last time I saw any Thrash Metal outfit releasing two DVDs in one year, but the reason for such a move is really quite simple. Thirteen years after their last concert together, Testament announced to the world that they intended to perform a few headline shows around the globe with their original line up. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, that meant that besides Chuck Billy (vocals) and Eric Peterson (guitars), some of us would have the unique pleasure of enjoying Alex Skolnick (guitars), Greg Christian (bass) and Louis Clemente's (drums) on the same stage, performing classic Testament tunes for their loyal fans.
The dream came true in mid 2005, whith a memorable performance and the Camden Koko - a show that was recorded and is now released as both a CD and DVD release, under the title "Live in London". I could spend hours trying to explain why this was one of the best concerts that I've ever been to, but I really don't have to, since this 82 minute DVD is more than capable of doing this, by presenting you with the unique atmosphere that both the band and their legions of fans created that very night.
The set list was based on the band's first five releases, but the majority of the songs were from their second studio effort "The New Order", with the tunes of songs like "The Preacher", "Disciples of the Watch" and "Trial By Fire" bringing shivers to our bodies and tears to our eyes. Chuck Billy was in an extremely good mood, and the chemistry between Skolnick and Peterson was there as in the old days. Greg Christian had a constant huge smile on his face, and both Johnny Tempesta and Louie Clemente, who shared drum duties that night, did an exceptional job!
This release can easily stand out as a collection of the most classic Testament anthems, since it presents explosive live versions of "Practice What you Preach", Over the Wall", "Into the Pit", "Souls of Black" and "Sins of Omission", but most importantly it shows how relevant and fresh these songs still sound, twenty or so years after they were originally recorded. Apart from a quite interesting interview with the members of the band, there are no other extra features on this DVD, and as with the "Seen Between the Lines" DVD, this is the only negative thing about this release! Is Thrash still alive and kicking in 2005? Well, the London thrashers definitely seem to believe so!
****½
Review by John Stefanis
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