Why Didn't Testament Make It Big?

They're all good. But, The Gathering is pure audio gold.

Isn't Overkill overdue for a killer recording? It's been a while for dem boys.

I think they're in the studio now.

mc666 wrote:

Testament got along just fine (i would say even better) without Skolnick. and while i like Formations, i prefer Low, Demonic, & The Gathering. those are what i go for when in a Testament mood.

I agree that when I'm a Testament mood I go for The Gathering first-hand, but then Souls Of Black. I haven't gotten into Demonic that much

I'm not overly convinced of Skolnik's jazz playing either. The little bit of stuff of AST I've listened to doesn't have me wanting to rush out and buy it. He's doing a half-assed job of it, if you listen to some real jazz guitarists and then compare Skolnik's material (which is mostly rock and metal tunes he's "jazzified") it rings hollow. It's a completely different mindset to play that music, you have to possess a gift for improvisation and Skolnik is too grounded in composed solos (which is the norm in metal and most rock).

From Sax's description, it sounds like his return to Testament is half-assed as well...and most likely inspired competely by dollar signs.

Some artists are good enough to straddle multiple genres (Jeff Beck is a good example), but Skolnik isn't on that level.

Summerizing what is the general concensus above: we can conclude that timing was the primary factor and perhaps place/location the second.

Interview with guitarist Eric Peterson.

http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/interviews/hit_the_lights/testament_being_musicians_well_experiment_with_new_things.html

Skolnick may not be the best jazz player but I don't get the hate for his playing with Testament. I love his style and why can't a guy experiment with other styles if he likes both.

As I said before, when I saw Testament live I didn't see the same thing Uncle Sax saw. Alex was full of energy and put in just as much as the rest of the band. I love Testament and could care less why they didn't make it big, I'm just glad they're still at it.