The Summary Judgment Reviews:
Title: First Strike Still Deadly
Artist: Testament
Label: Spitfire Records
Release Date: 10/23/01

Rating: 4 Skulls
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    • Death's Review:
    The concept is either totally awesome or totally lame, depending on how you choose to look at it. Think about it: the sheer power of the early Testament catalogue, done with The Gathering-style production. Sounds killer, if you ask me. But then I pause-- isn't this just a re-recording of the old material, offering nothing new? It isn't even with the "new" band--they actually got some of the old guys back! Sounds lame, if you ask me.

    So which is it? In arriving at my conclusion, I must consider several factors. First, rebutting the negatives: primary among them-- the return of old members. Truth be told, getting back Alex Skolnik, a legendary old member whose commitment to metal in recent years has been questionable but whose incredible guitar-playing talent never has been is creative, interesting and a seeming metal coup of the highest order. Hearing Skolnik play guitar is a real treat, with his new jazz-influenced style melding perfectly with his classic signature metal licks (check out the note-for-note reproduction of the sweep arpreggio that opens "Trial by Fire" and then listen to the fluid and dynamic lead he puts in the middle of the song. Awesome). And getting back Steve "Zetro" Sousa to sing "Alone in the Dark" and "Reign of Terror" is another actually brilliant move, 'cause this guy is a great metal singer (a fact that I only fully realized at the recent Thrash of the Titans benefit). So trust me, having these guys involved is actually a good thing.

    Second important consideration is whether the updated production actually adds anything to the power of the material. Trust me, it does. Listen to The Legacy and then listen to First Strike Still Deadly. Make sure all of the listening is done loud and on a good stereo. Holy shit. Fucking awesome-- First Strike is definitely miles forward. Listen to the bass (Steve DiGiorgio) on "Disciples of the Watch," or any extended Skolnik lead to get an idea of what I mean. The rhythm guitars are extraordinarily tight and crunchy, a wall of metallic sound like that heard on The Gathering. This is just absolutely great. Perhaps the differences are a bit too subtle for some who don't listen with gourmet ears or who don't pay a lot of attention (it is like the difference between Saturn and Dreamcast or Playstation One and Playstation 2 or Gamecube and Nintendo 64-- you can tell the difference, but perhaps your great-grandmother might think the games are all the same). But to me, it is night and day, and I think most readers of this site will agree.

    Finally, I must consider the Chuck factor. Perhaps we would not have gotten this arguable "filler" release, and instead would have been blessed by some new material, if only Chuck was fully healthy. And in light of the recent passing of Chuck Shuldiner, we should be grateful for anything we get from Mr. Billy these days. I hope his recovery is going well.

    So in the end, and being the huge Testament fan that I am, I must give this one the virtual thumbs up and a high recommendation. Is First Strike essential? Not a chance, but the next Testament studio album surely will be. Is First Strike worth owning if you are a Testament fan, or if this classic material from The Legacy and The New Order is new to you? Absolutely.
    4 out of 5
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