Souls of Black

Souls of Black is the fourth album on which Testament, around angular riffs and urgent rhythm, digs multifacetedly into thrash metal’s sure aggression. Following the success of the previous Practice What You Preach, it was made in a relatively short period between its tours. While firmly keeping sharp riffs and big, singable melody, through more concise, compact songwriting it beautifully unites thrash’s weight and memorable accessibility. From the powerful drive of the opener “Beginning of the End” and the drama of the dramatic title track “Souls of Black” to the aggression of “Face in the Sky,” every song is engaging, while cuts like “Falling Fast,” “Absence of Light” and “Malpractice” convey the work’s fullness. Chuck Billy’s powerful voice and Skolnick’s sharp guitar are in sharp form throughout. A record that, despite short-period making, firmly kept the band’s sure momentum and its high intensity as Bay Area thrash. While holding a more straight, clear appeal, its playing quality has not dropped in the least. A powerful, engaging thrash-metal work capping early Testament’s fulfilling period — a record where the band’s steady ability shines.