The First Testament [Explicit Lyrics]

1. Shine

2. Let Me Find Out!!!

3. Everywhere I Go

4. Who's Doin' This

5. A.B.K. Sound Off

6. Misery

7. Slow Burning

8. Banger Banger

9. High Speed Chase

10. Assasins

11. Thank U

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Hip Hop: Hard hitting rap in a similar vein to early Wu Tang.

Tracks:

First Strike Is Deadly
Into The Pit
Trial By Fire
Disciples Of The Watch
The Preacher
Burnt Offerings
Over The Wall
The New Order
The Haunting
Alone In The Dark
Reign Of Terror

Album Description

'First Strike, Still Deadly' is a 'Best Of' according to the members of Testament, who have rejoined for the first time in a decade to re-record these classic tracks they believe to be their finest. Re-recorded with today's advanced technology in production as well as the fact that Testament are older, wiser & better players in 2001. A Spitfire Records release.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome!!!!!!!!!! .......2006-07-18

Yes my friends this is Testament done right. The newer sounding versions are cleaner and tighter than ever before and it really comes through here. It's tamer somewhat as the overall speed has been slightly tweak to allow for a groovier feel. As we grow older we tend to look back at stuff and realize that speed isn't always the way to go. The boys have obviously done their homework here and the results prove that. The vast majority of the tunes have been slowed somewhat, but it's the mid parts of songs that were once just speed fests that have been almost cut in half that really bring these classics to life. The result is that these old favorites sound and feel thousand times better than the originals.

Truly an awesome listen for those of us who are into intense grooves and fantastic musicianship. The songs selections are fantastic and the overall vibe is top notch.

As one reviewer said, "it's headbanging heaven"

Testament Classics Reborn...The "NEW" New Order is Here........2005-06-28

Ok, heres the premise: Testament re-record the "best" tracks from their first two albums: 1987's "The Legacy" and 1988's "The New Order" using todays modern production technology and also adding the stylistic shifts that they have added to their sound (mainly the downtuned guitars and lower vocals). Also added are two classics with original singer Steve "Zetro" Souza on vocals. Not to mention original lead guitar player Alex Skolnick returns to the fold.

As soon as the album begins I was blown away by the production. Every thing has such clarity but still retains the power the music calls for. The songs have been slowed down a slight bit...just enough to add more power and intensity...for example, the middle section of "Burnt Offerings" which used to be a massive speed fest has been slowed to a chugging gallop groove that if not for the speed of the original...is still quite fast. The lower tuning (down one whole step) really adds to the sound of the album giving it a much more brutal vibe than the originals.

The vocals are by far the most improved aspect of the disc. Lower and more intense, they are the icing on the cake. The two things that thrash metal was always lacking were groove and good vocals...sure speed is all good but you gotta slow down sometimes and just groove...and while there were good/memorable vocalists in the thrash genre (araya,hetfield,mustaine,etc) Chuck Billy has always been leagues above them and he proves it on this disc.

Now for the complaints...Skolnick's leads...while technically sound...seem less edgy because of his even more pronounced jazz style and tone. Also, the two tracks with Steve Souza on vocals are less than spectacular...the music is fine but Souza shows that it was a blessing that he left to join Exodus. The album would have been perfect if they would have replaced the last two tracks with Apocalyptic City and Eerie Inhabitants but....oh well.

In closing, if youre a Testament fan....this is a must have. If youre new to Testament...this is a great introduction to one of the finest metal bands of all time.

incredible!.......2005-03-18

I was a big fan of Testament through the Practice What You Preach Years but lost interest after that. Recently started getting back into the band after putting my cds away. I decided to buy this disc after reading the rave reviews here. I cannot say it enough- this is a killer disc! My only regret is not buying it sooner! The rerecording of these classic songs gave them the intensity and heavier sound they deserved, not to mention a much cleaner and tighter sound. Great sound and production. If you are like me, a "lapsed" Testament fan who did not previously own this disc, or a fan of this genre in general, you must buy this disc! You will not be disappointed. Testament can blow away any of the garbage top 40 that pass themselves off as being "heavy." Support Testament and buy this disc!

wow.......2004-11-18

that is the one word that always comes to mind when i listen to this album. its amazing how much better these songs sound then when they were recorded originally. Chuck Billy sounds like he's out for blood and John Tempesta's drums are the best i've ever heard him play. the guitars are tuned down and the tone is so thick and heavy. Steve Souza is a nice touch on Alone In The Dark and Reign of Terror. all in all this album is essential for anyone who calls themselves a Testament fan. this is the absolute PERFECT place to start if you're looking to buy your first album by these thrash masters

Very Good.......2004-08-09

I really like how they've redone their early material so that it sounds both refreshing and new. I'm not going to compare the songs on this album and the originals, but this cd makes a fine adition to one's collection.

Two Renaissance Dance Bands; Monteverdi's Contemporaries

Average customer rating:

A must-have re-release of a classic!
Evocative music of the Tudor and Jacobean royal courts
Definitive, energetic and fresh account of C16th rock n roll

Two Renaissance Dance Bands; Monteverdi's Contemporaries

Manufacturer: Testament UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Panorama: Dances of the Renaissance
Henry VIII & His Six Wives
Sinners & Saints: The Ultimate Medieval and Renaissance Music Collection
Early Music Festival / David Munrow, Early Music Consort
English Music from Henry VIII to Charles II

ASIN: B000003XJL
Release Date: 1996-05-10

Tracks:

Twelve Dances From the 'Danserye': La Mourisque
Twelve Dances From the 'Danserye': Branle quatre branles
Twelve Dances From the 'Danserye': Ronde & Salterelle
Twelve Dances From the 'Danserye': Ronde Mon Amy
Twelve Dances From the 'Danserye': Allemaigne & Recoupe
Twelve Dances From the 'Danserye': Pavane Mille Regretz
Twelve Dances From the 'Danserye': Basse Danse Bergeret Sans Roch & Reprise
Twelve Dances From the 'Danserye': Danse Du Roy
Twelve Dances From the 'Danserye': Ronde
Twelve Dances From the 'Danserye': Passe Et Medio & Reprinse Le Pingue
Twelve Dances From the 'Danserye': Ronde
Twelve Dances From the 'Danserye': Pavane La Bataille
Dances For Broken Consort From 'The First Booke Of Consort Lessons': Mounsier's Almaine
Dances For Broken Consort From 'The First Booke Of Consort Lessons': Lachrimae Pavan
Dances For Broken Consort From 'The First Booke Of Consort Lessons': Michill's Galliard
Dances For Broken Consort From 'The First Booke Of Consort Lessons': Lute Duet: My Lord Chamberlain's Galliard
Dances For Broken Consort From 'The First Booke Of Consort Lessons': The Jew's Dance
Dances For Broken Consort From 'The First Booke Of Consort Lessons': Captaine Piper's Pavan & Galliard
Dances For Broken Consort From 'The First Booke Of Consort Lessons': My Lord of Oxenford's Maske
Dances For Broken Consort From 'The First Booke Of Consort Lessons': Lavolto
Dances For Broken Consort From 'The First Booke Of Consort Lessons': La Coranta
Five Dances From 'Il Primo Libro De Balli': Pass'e Mezzo Della Paganina
Five Dances From 'Il Primo Libro De Balli': Ballo Francese
Five Dances From 'Il Primo Libro De Balli': La Lavandara
Five Dances From 'Il Primo Libro De Balli': L'Arboscello Ballo Furlano
Five Dances From 'Il Primo Libro De Balli': La Zanetta
La Negrona
Five Dances From 'Il Primo Libro De Balli': Pass'e Mezzo Moderno
Five Dances From 'Il Primo Libro De Balli': Ballo Anglese
Five Dances From 'Il Primo Libro De Balli': Schiarazula Marazula
Five Dances From 'Il Primo Libro De Balli': Ongarescha
Five Dances From 'Il Primo Libro De Balli': Tedescha
Canzona Prima A 12

Customer Reviews:

A must-have re-release of a classic!.......1999-09-15

The first 21 cuts on this CD are a re-release of the album 'Pleasures of the Court'. This was one of the first albums in this genre which showed that music of this period was really alive, not merely 'quaint'. The rest of the pieces on this CD are equally marvelous. David Munrow really began a revolution in the interpretation of renaissance music, and one wonders what he would have done had he not taken his own life at such a young age.

Evocative music of the Tudor and Jacobean royal courts.......1999-06-30

Recommended. I first bought it on cassette in about 1978, and was delighted to re-discover it recently on CD. Evokes images of the Tudor and Jacobean royal courts. Remember this music if you should ever go to Hampton Court, or stand on Richmond Hill and look down "the matchless vale of Thames". Buy it while you can.

Definitive, energetic and fresh account of C16th rock n roll.......1998-09-16

Simply one of the best dance compilations ever released - a definitive, fresh and energetic account of the first flowering of dance ensembles in C15-16th Europe. Still exciting nearly 20 years after its original release and a poignant reminder of the lost genius of English early music supremo David Munrow; the album was released shortly before his untimely death. Many recent collections have tried to tap into the fashion for early music but this one remains in a league of its own by virtue of the sheer energy and rhythmic drive of its performances - moving, too, in its (fewer) quiet moments. A sadly neglected "must-have".

Average customer rating:

Janet Baker Sings
Haydn , Beethoven , Baker , Menuhin , and Malcom
Manufacturer: Testament UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Very Best of Janet Baker

ASIN: B000063WAR
Release Date: 2002-09-10

Bo Holton: Wisdom and Folly and Other Choral Works

Average customer rating:

Bo Holton: Wisdom and Folly and Other Choral Works

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0009SC7GS
Release Date: 2005-07-26

Tracks:

Tallis Variations
l Ordsprogenes Bog
ll Hojsangen
Klagesangene
Paslm 104
Ego Flos Campi
Ebbe Skammelson
Fyrsti Snjor
Fjalli Einbui
Triumph To Exit

Ego Scriptor Cantilenae: The Music of Ezra Pound

Average customer rating:

"Consider/ Carefully the reviewer."

Ego Scriptor Cantilenae: The Music of Ezra Pound

Manufacturer: Other Minds
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Cantos of Ezra Pound (New Directions Paperbook)
A Companion to The Cantos of Ezra Pound

ASIN: B00009PSCZ
Release Date: 2003-04-15

Tracks:

Brothel Music
Dictes moy
Hlmieres Aria Ha, vieillesse felonne et fiere
Dame du ciel
Pere No
Freres humains
Fiddle Music First Suite (1923-1924)
Fiddle Music First Suite (1923-1924)
Fiddle Music First Suite (1923-1924)
Fiddle Music First Suite (1923-1924)
Fiddle Music First Suite (1923-1924)
Fiddle Music First Suite (1923-1924)
Al poco giorno (c. 1931)
Poi che di doglia
Sol per pieta
Gianni quell Guido
Tos temps serai
Ailas
Quando di morte
Perchio non spero
Frottola (c. 1931)
Selection from Collis O Heliconii (1932) Carmen LXI
aliter Nathan Rubin, violin, March 28, 1983

Album Description

Ezra Pound (1885-1972), the path-breaking author of America's greatest epic poem of the 20th century, The Cantos, spent 15 years working intensely on composing music as well. Between 1920 and 1933 he produced two operas and several works for solo violin, composed for Olga Rudge, his lifelong companion.

The first and only available CD recording of its kind, Ego Scriptor Cantilenae: The Music of Ezra Pound features outstanding historical recordings of performances from England, the U.S. and Holland, as well as new studio recordings by the Other Minds Ensemble. Hear this long overdue compilation including selections from his operas Le Testament and Cavalcanti , the previously undiscovered Collis O Heliconii and his solo violin music authoritatively played by Nathan Rubin.

Robert Hughes and Reinbert de Leeuw conduct. Includes an 80-page booklet by Pound scholars Margaret Fisher and Robert Hughes with primary research gained with the help of Pound's relatives.

Customer Reviews:

"Consider/ Carefully the reviewer.".......2004-09-14

The inevitable question is whether we would pay attention to this music if it had not been written by one of the major poets of the 20th Century. The composer's reputation in this case cannot help but influence our appreciation of his work. I can attest that I would never have purchased this disk if the compositions had been by an otherwise unknown person. Whether they would have been recorded at all is pointless speculation. Certainly the complementary question should be asked: whether Pound's reputation as a poet overshadows his musical compositions to the point of obscuring them, by rendering them mere curiosities.

Certainly no effort has been spared in this recording. The additional price is justified by the enclosed book (it's over 80 pages), which contains articles on how the scores were located and assembled, and Pound's objectives for the operas, both individually and as part of his lifetime uvre. Each track is also fully explicated, and lyrics, in French, Italian, and Latin, with English translations, are included.

In all instances the music sets off the words perfectly. Whether this is the result of Pound's skill in prosody, or the superlative performances recorded here, is a matter of conjecture, since no other recorded versions are readily available for comparison. Pound often employs profoundly complex meters (25/32, 9/8, 13/32, 7/16, etc.) in rapid succession, orchestrated with the assistance of composer George Antheil. The effect is not so much rhythmic complexity, but a freedom from rhythm evoking the cadence of poetic speech, which was Pound's intention.

The disk contains selections from Pound's operas "Le Testament," "Cavalcanti," and "Collis O Heliconii," along with several compositions for violin, all otherwise out of print, and some recorded here for the first time. The subject of "Le Testament" is Francois Villon, while "Cavalcanti" concerns the life of the 13th century Italian poet Guido Cavalcanti. Harry van der Kamp gives a powerful rendition of "Dictes moy," a setting of Villon's famous "ou sont les nieges d'antan." Anna Myatt's delivery of "Ha, viellesse felonne et fiere," or "Haulmiere's Aria" is perhaps the best example of Pound's changing time signatures imitating spoken word. Here, Haulmiere, the old prostitute, laments the loss of her youthful beauty and its attendant power, calling to mind the Rodin sculpture of the same name, sometimes called "The Old Courtesan" or "She Who was the Helmet-Maker's Beautiful Wife." "Pere No" enlists the Biblical Noah, Lot, and Architriclinus, all noted as drunkards, to intercede on behalf of Jean Cotart, a drunken magistrate who had ruled in Villon's favor. As an inside joke, the singers are clearly heard several times substituting the name of Pound's friend, the filmmaker Jean Cocteau, for "Jean Cotart." "Perch'io non spero" has the dying Cavalcanti attempting to teach his page, Ricco, a song that contains a code recognizable to Cavalcanti's allies in Tuscany. When Cavalcanti dies before Ricco, sung by boy soprano Michael Bannett, has learned the song, the boy's despair is poignant.

In the end, whether this music is valuable as an extension of our understanding of Ezra Pound, the writer, is unimportant. It is unique, engaging on many levels, and magnificently performed and presented. We are lucky to have it, and if Pound's reputation alone brings it to us, that is enough.

Schumann: Symphony No. 1; Dvorak: Symphony No. 9

Average customer rating:

I Heartily Concur!
Another Testament to Great Reissues

Schumann: Symphony No. 1; Dvorak: Symphony No. 9

Manufacturer: Testament
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00006BC7O
Release Date: 2002-12-10

Customer Reviews:

I Heartily Concur!.......2006-08-04

Yes, this reissue is a testament to one of the master conductors of the last Century, and maybe this one as well. The Dvorak is an almost incredible union of refinement and fire, drive and subtlty, and a singing line that is really moving in the Largo. As for the Schumann, this was my first recording of the "Spring" Symphony and remains the most refreshing, sparkling and graceful account of the score. Another example of Kempe's mastery of the Schumann idiom is to be found in his "Manfred" Overture, coupled with a towering Beethoven "Eroica." The Berlin Philharmonic was surely at its best under Kempe, as it had been under Furtwangler; no other orchestra ever sounded so purely musical, playing beautifully, of course, but never sounding beautiful for its own sake. MORE KEMPE, PLEASE! HOW ABOUT HIS BEETHOVEN CYCLE AND HIS "MEISTERSINGER"? For that matter, how about a first-class issue of his 1960 Bayreuth "Ring"?

Another Testament to Great Reissues.......2003-10-19

Testament is rapidly becoming one of my favorite classical labels, despite the fact that its CDs sell at full-price. This company prides itself on licensing classic recordings from the vaults of labels like EMI and Decca, performances that the big boys won't reissue not because of their musical quality, but because of their lack of profitability. They have also made it their mission to rescue the reputations of once great conductors no longer in the spotlight, including D.E. Inghelbrecht, Gunter Wand (see my reviews of both) and now Rudolf Kempe. Kempe would never have been totally forgotten as his Strauss recordings are a cornerstone of EMI's current series of CD box sets and budget-line titles. But he was more than a Strauss specialist as he was a first-rate conductor of everything from Beethoven to Wagner, and unfortunately too many of his outstanding recordings are no longer available. Two such first-rate performances are reissued here -- a 1955 mono recording of Schumann's 1st Symphony and a 1957 stereo account of Dvorak's 9th Symphony, both with the Berlin Philahrmonic. With so many great performances of these Symphonies in the EMI catalog, you can see why they had yet to resurface on CD. But don't think for a minute the performances aren't up to par. I actually prefer Kempe's rendition of the Dvorak to other EMI analog versions, including those by Giulini, Leinsdorf, Klemperer and Karajan (particularly the latter). In all, this title is yet another "Testament" to a great reissue program.

Average customer rating:

Great Music, Greatly Over-Priced

Antonín Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 7 & 8

Manufacturer: Testament
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000003XJK
Release Date: 1996-05-10

Tracks:

Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op. 70: I. Allegro maestoso
Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op. 70: II. Poco adagio
Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op. 70: III. Scherzo: vivace
Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op. 70: IV. Finale: Allegro
Symphony No. 8 In G, Op. 88: I. Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 8 In G, Op. 88: II. Adagio
Symphony No. 8 In G, Op. 88: III. Allegretto grazioso - Molto vivace
Symphony No. 8 In G, Op. 88: IV. Allegro ma non troppo

Customer Reviews:

Great Music, Greatly Over-Priced.......2003-09-24

These historic Dvorak recordings by Raphael Kubelik were made hot on the heels of his defection from newly communist Czechoslovakia, #8 in 1948, #7 in 1951, with the Philharmonia orchestra, before he had found himself a regular gig. The music itself is wonderful. Dvorak managed to work Brahms, Bruckner, Wagner and his own national music concerns into a compelling symphonic synthesis. Kubelik's performances are vigorous, and with the technology of the time, essentially 'live'. The remasterings are a little harsh. The Eighth symphony, transferred from 78's, oddly, is the better-sounding of the two. But with the treble down and the bass up they both are good to listen to. The main flaw with this disc, and the Testament Label generally, is the outrageous list price. EMI should go on trial for abuse of its legacy, as well as business stupidity: better sounding vintage CD's are available from Naxos, Dutton and others, for a fraction of the price. Buy it used!

Average customer rating:

don't buy this juggalos

The First Testament
A.B.K. International
Manufacturer: Redeye Distribution
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004Y6M1
Release Date: 2000-10-31

Tracks:

Shine - Anger, Boo, Lunatic Mind, Pody
Let Me Find Out!!! - Lunatic Mind
Everywhere I Go - Hellraiser, Lunatic, Mind
Who's Doin' This - Anger, Respect
A.B.K. Sound Off - Anger, Hellraiser, Lunatic Mind, Pody
Misery - The D.O.C., Lunatic Mind
Slow Burning - Anger, Lunatic Mind
Banger Banger - Lunatic Mind, Pody
High Speed Chase - DY The Diverse, Lunatic Mind
Assasins - Anger, Lunatic Mind
Thank U - Anger, Lunatic Mind, Pody

Album Details

Hip Hop: Hard hitting rap in a similar vein to early Wu Tang.

Customer Reviews:

don't buy this juggalos.......2003-10-27

this is not the anybody killa, ABK, this is another birth kult, ABK. ABK International actually, it is not bad rap, but dude looks goofy and he needs to change his name. mmfcl