TESTAMENT to Unleash Remixed Classic 'Souls Of Black' in 2024
In a bombshell revelation during his chat with Metal Express Radio's Stig Gøran Nordahl, TESTAMENT frontman Chuck Billy confirmed the band is set to unleash a remixed version of their legendary 1990 album, 'Souls Of Black.' After reclaiming their rights from Atlantic Records, Billy and guitarist Eric Peterson are on a mission to breathe new life into their classic catalog. "We have 'The Legacy,' 'The New Order,' 'Practice What You Preach,' and now 'Souls Of Black' back in our hands, and we’re not holding back on giving them the remaster treatment they deserve," Billy declared.
Reflecting on the original album’s lackluster sound, Chuck candidly admitted that youthful naivety led them to place blind faith in producers and engineers back in the day. "We were just kids, cranking out records and hitting the road without a clue about studio dynamics. We wanted a killer sound but didn’t know how to get it. Fast forward 35 years, and we finally got a chance to revisit it, and let me tell you, it sounds phenomenal now! The guitars are crushing, and the vocals have lost that overcooked reverb that plagued the original mix," he exclaimed, excitement palpable in his voice.
When asked if he'd consider re-recording any of his vocal takes, Chuck dismissed the idea, stating, "Honestly, I was blown away by my performance. Everything came out strong, and there was nothing that made me think, 'I need to fix that.' It’s a solid vocal performance across the board, which made the remixing process that much easier." With the original version still pushing through the airwaves under Nuclear Blast, Billy hinted that the remixed 'Souls Of Black' is set to drop sometime next year, complete with stunning packaging that’s sure to excite the die-hard fanbase.
TESTAMENT isn’t just resting on their laurels; the band’s recent partnership with Nuclear Blast has ensured the re-release of their first six albums in the U.S., with the first two albums already seeing the light of day in late 2023. The anticipation builds as January 2025 marks the reissue of the iconic 'Practice What You Preach,' available in a variety of formats, including limited edition vinyl and cassettes, a testament to the band's commitment to their legacy.
With their latest offering, 'Para Bellum,' hitting shelves last October, recorded by Juan Urteaga and mixed by Jens Bogren, TESTAMENT is clearly on a roll. The new era is downright electric, and fans can expect a visual feast with the music video for 'Infanticide A.I.' already making waves. Buckle up, metalheads—TESTAMENT is just getting started.