First Strike Still Deadly

First Strike Still Deadly is a reconstruction-type work on which Testament re-illuminates its past songs through the current band’s playing and the latest production. In particular, it has ambitious content: it newly re-records, centered on signature songs from the early classics The Legacy and The New Order, with the current, tougher members. Rather than merely tracing past material, by carefully reinterpreting it with a mature voice and modern sound pressure at the time of recording, the band’s sure evolution can be clearly confirmed. More than subtle differences of tempo and key, the current figure of Testament strongly appears precisely in the details of the playing — the distance of the guitar and how the rhythm sinks. The way the early classics revive in mature current playing is truly moving for fans. For fans who deeply know the original versions, noting the differences of interpretation becomes a great pleasure. The re-participation of the old Skolnick also drew attention. An intriguing project work with a different kind of interest from the fresh surprise of a new album. It also serves as a fine entry for looking back on a milestone of the band’s long career. Reaffirming the old signature songs while letting you read how Testament re-grasps its brilliant history, it is a valuable record — a work well worth hearing for fans.