Live in London

DVD [DVD]

Label: Eagle Vision

Style: Hard Rock

Live in London

UPC: 801213013494

Release Date: 11/01/2005

Original Release Date: 11/01/2005

Number of Discs: 1

Alex Henderson

The 1990s were definitely a time of transition for Testament -- not only in terms of lineup changes, but also, stylistically. Even at their most melodic, Testament was never going to be mistaken for easy listening; however, they took things to a whole new level of brutality and heaviness on 1997's Demonic and 1999's The Gathering. Those albums have been a subject of debate among headbangers; some longtime fans have praised Testament's desire to forge ahead and move into alt-metal and death metal territory, while others much prefer the classic Testament of The Legacy, The New Order, and Practice What You Preach. And for those who cherish the Testament of the late '80s/early '90s, it is hard not to appreciate what transpires on their Live in London DVD. This 2005 show, which has also been released on an audio CD, finds Testament's old Alex Skolnick-era lineup reunited; the participants are Chuck Billy on lead vocals, Skolnick and Eric Peterson on guitar, Greg Christian on bass, and Louie Clemente on drums (although John Tempesta of White Zombie and Exodus fame plays drums during the first half of the set). With Skolnick on board, it isn't surprising that older material prevails -- and the thrashers are undeniably tight, focused, and inspired on late-'80s favorites like "Into the Pit," "Trial by Fire," "Disciples of the Watch," and "The Preacher." In fact, songs written after Skolnick's 1992 departure are excluded altogether -- nothing from Demonic, nothing from The Gathering. Live in London isn't the least bit groundbreaking, and it doesn't pretend to be. This DVD is, quite simply, an exercise in thrash nostalgia, albeit a highly enjoyable one -- and while there are few surprises, it's nice to see Billy and Skolnick sharing the stage once again and doing so with considerable passion. ~ Alex Henderson, Rovi