About this album
Sound:
"Aggressive riffs and rapid-fire drumming create a relentless thrash metal experience filled with dark themes."
Where they were
Released on October 9, 1990, 'Souls of Black' is Testament's fourth studio album, following their acclaimed 'Practice What You Preach.' By this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation in the thrash metal scene but facing increasing competition from emerging genres like grunge.
Why it matters
'Souls of Black' received positive reviews upon release and peaked at No. 72 on the Billboard 200 chart, showcasing Testament's enduring appeal in the metal community despite shifting musical trends.
Essential tracks
- "Souls of Black" — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of despair and darkness while featuring intricate guitar work that highlights Testament's technical prowess.
- "Falling Fast" — With its infectious melodies and powerful lyrics about existential crisis, this track stands out for its blend of aggression and accessibility.
- "Malpractice" — 'Malpractice' showcases a more progressive edge in Testament's sound, combining complex structures with intense lyrical content that critiques societal issues.
- "The Legacy" — This song serves as a testament to the band's legacy in thrash metal, balancing speed with thoughtful lyrics that reflect on personal and collective struggles.
Release Date
October 9, 1990
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Beginning of the End 0:35
- 2 Face in the Sky 3:53
- 3 Falling Fast 4:05
- 4 Souls of Black 3:22
- 5 Absence of Light 3:54
- 6 Love to Hate 3:40
- 7 Malpractice 4:43
- 8 One Man's Fate 4:49
- 9 The Legacy 5:30
- 10 Seven Days of May 4:40
