The New Order

The New Order is a masterpiece of early-representative thrash metal, binding sharp riffs, Chuck Billy’s powerful voice and Alex Skolnick’s fluid lead guitar. Inheriting the debut’s success, it further refines its musicality. While keeping thrash’s characteristic speed at its core, the songs firmly turn attention to rich melody and dramatic development too, and their playing polish markedly increases. From the opener “Eerie Inhabitants” and the mosh-inviting “Into the Pit” to the solemn “Disciples of the Watch,” which became a live staple, and the dramatic classic “The Preacher,” every song is engaging. Ambitious content that also includes a cover of Aerosmith’s “Nobody’s Fault.” Tense songs line up, and the band’s playing generates a sure conviction beyond mere momentum. A record that established a distinct character and outstanding playing technique even among the Bay Area thrash camp. Skolnick’s melodic, technical solos are in even sharper form in this period. An extremely polished masterpiece symbolizing early Testament’s fulfilling period — one of the great records in thrash-metal history. An essential, fulfilling work for fans.