The Making of The New Order by Testament

Introduction

Released on May 10, 1988, The New Order stands as a seminal album in the thrash metal genre, cementing Testament’s place among the titans of the movement. Emerging from the San Francisco Bay Area, Testament brought a fresh, aggressive sound that resonated with the growing thrash metal audience of the late 1980s. With its intricate guitar work, socially conscious lyrics, and relentless energy, The New Order captured the spirit of an era while pushing the boundaries of metal music.

This article delves into the creation, recording process, commercial performance, and legacy of The New Order. We’ll explore the cultural backdrop of its inception, dissect the album’s tracks, and assess its impact on both the band and the broader music landscape. The narrative will also include insights from band members and producers, offering a comprehensive look at one of thrash metal’s most enduring works.

The New Order was a pivotal moment for Testament, marking their first entry into the Billboard 200 and solidifying their status within the thrash metal community. As Alex Skolnick, the band’s lead guitarist, once remarked, “This album was our step into the thrash metal mainstream, a defining moment that opened up new possibilities for us as musicians.”

The Genesis of “The New Order”

As the 1980s progressed, the thrash metal scene was burgeoning, with bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth gaining significant traction. Testament, formed in 1983, was part of this dynamic wave, hailing from the same Bay Area thrash scene that birthed many of these influential acts. By the time they were ready to record The New Order, Testament had already released their debut album, The Legacy, which laid the groundwork for their subsequent success.

The creation of The New Order was influenced by the rapidly evolving music landscape of the late 1980s. Thrash metal was becoming more sophisticated, with bands experimenting with complex song structures and intricate guitar solos. Testament was no exception, and they sought to refine their sound further with this album. The band members—Chuck Billy (vocals), Alex Skolnick (lead guitar), Eric Peterson (rhythm guitar), Greg Christian (bass), and Louie Clemente (drums)—were determined to push their musical boundaries and craft an album that would resonate with fans and critics alike.

Financially, the band faced challenges typical of the era. Recording costs were financed by their label, Megaforce Records, with a modest budget that required careful management. Despite these constraints, Testament was able to work with renowned producer Alex Perialas at Pyramid Sound Studios in Ithaca, New York, ensuring the album’s production quality matched their artistic vision.

The album’s title, The New Order, reflected the band’s ambition to forge a new path in the thrash metal genre. The artwork, designed by William Benson, depicted a dystopian vision that complemented the album’s lyrical themes of social and environmental decay. This concept resonated with fans, who appreciated the band’s ability to combine powerful music with thought-provoking messages.

Recording Process

The recording sessions for The New Order took place at Pyramid Sound Studios in Ithaca, New York, between January and February 1988. This studio, known for its blend of vintage and modern equipment, provided an ideal environment for Testament to capture their evolving sound. The band worked closely with producer Alex Perialas, whose expertise in the genre was invaluable in achieving the desired sonic quality.

Pyramid Sound Studios, at the time, was equipped with state-of-the-art technology that allowed for high-quality recordings. Although specific equipment details are not explicitly documented, it is likely that the studio employed industry-standard hardware such as a vintage API console, known for its warm, analogue sound, along with modern digital recording capabilities. This combination enabled Testament to create a polished yet aggressive album that stood out in the thrash metal scene.

Working with Alex Perialas was a significant advantage for Testament. Perialas, who had previously collaborated with other thrash and metal acts, brought a wealth of experience to the project. His ability to balance the raw energy of thrash with precise production techniques was crucial in crafting the sound of The New Order. Despite some challenges, such as tight deadlines and budget constraints, the recording process was a creative and rewarding experience for the band.

Below is a table of other albums produced by Alex Perialas:

Commercial Performance and Reception

Upon its release, The New Order made a notable impact on the thrash metal scene. It was Testament’s first album to enter the Billboard 200, peaking at number 136 and remaining on the chart for thirteen weeks. This achievement marked a significant milestone for the band, establishing them as a force to be reckoned with in the metal world.

Despite not achieving the commercial heights of some of their contemporaries, The New Order was critically acclaimed and well-received by fans. It sold over 250,000 copies in the United States by 1990, a testament to its enduring appeal. The album’s success was bolstered by its energetic live performances, which showcased Testament’s prowess and solidified their reputation as a formidable live act.

The competitive landscape of 1988 saw several notable releases from similar artists, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic thrash metal scene. Other albums released in 1988 include:

• …And Justice for All by Metallica [Physical Sales: 8 million]
• South of Heaven by Slayer [Physical Sales: 500,000]
• So Far, So Good… So What! by Megadeth [Physical Sales: 400,000]

The New Order received several accolades over the years, including being named one of Revolver’s “20 Essential Eighties Thrash Albums” in 2007 and Loudwire’s “18th Best Thrash Metal Album of All Time” in 2017. These recognitions underscore the album’s lasting impact and its place in thrash metal history.

Singles and Track Analysis

The release of The New Order was accompanied by the single “Trial by Fire,” which helped to elevate the album’s profile. Although the single did not chart, it became a staple of the band’s live performances, showcasing their dynamic energy and musical prowess. The album also included a cover of Aerosmith’s “Nobody’s Fault,” which received attention for its unique thrash interpretation.

Below is a table of the album’s tracks and their meanings:

Note: “Trial by Fire” was released as a single, although it did not chart. “Nobody’s Fault” also received attention as a cover.

Influences and Legacy

The New Order was heavily influenced by the thrash metal giants of the time, including Metallica and Slayer, as well as classic metal acts like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. Testament’s sound on this album also drew from progressive rock and jazz, particularly in Alex Skolnick’s intricate guitar solos and complex compositions.

Below is a table detailing the influences on The New Order and the artists it subsequently influenced:

Released in 1988, The New Order coincided with a year of significant global and cultural events. The world witnessed the first well-known computer virus, the 1988 Internet worm, and the introduction of the first Internet-based chat protocol, Internet Relay Chat. The Soviet Union began its transition towards a mixed economy, signalling the impending dissolution of the Iron Curtain. In cinema, Rain Man dominated the box office, reflecting the diverse and evolving landscape of popular culture.

Five Things about The New Order

The New Order is a fascinating album with many intriguing aspects that contribute to its legacy. Here are five verified facts about the album:

Media and Television Usage

Despite its impact and popularity, no songs from The New Order have been prominently featured in media such as films or television shows. This is perhaps a testament to the album’s niche appeal within the thrash metal community.

Critical Reviews and Retrospectives

The New Order has been consistently praised for its powerful musicianship and thematic depth. Critics have highlighted its contribution to thrash metal, often comparing it favourably to the works of its contemporaries. Alex Henderson of AllMusic noted that Testament “delivered its best offering ever” with this album.

Below is a table summarising critical reviews of the album:

After The New Order

Following the success of The New Order, Testament continued to build their reputation as one of thrash metal’s leading bands. They released Practice What You Preach in 1989, which further solidified their status in the metal community. The band’s lineup remained stable for several years, allowing them to refine their sound and grow their fan base.

Over the years, Testament experienced changes in popularity and personnel, with several lineup changes affecting their musical direction. Despite these challenges, the band maintained a strong presence in the metal scene, continuing to release new material and perform worldwide. As of October 2023, Testament remains active, with recent tours and a dedicated fan base supporting their enduring legacy.

Remasters and Reissues

Over the years, The New Order has seen various remasters and reissues, ensuring its availability for new generations of fans. In 2024, it was announced that both The New Order and The Legacy would be remastered and re-released, much to the excitement of fans and collectors.

Conclusion

The New Order remains a landmark album in thrash metal, its influence felt across the genre even decades after its release. Testament’s ability to blend technical proficiency with compelling themes has ensured the album’s enduring relevance. As Chuck Billy reflects, “This album was a turning point for us, capturing the essence of what we wanted to say as a band.”

For further exploration of The New Order, readers can visit the Wikipedia page, the official Testament website, and the Atlantic Records website.

Let us know in the comments what your thoughts are on The New Order by Testament. Did we miss anything? Share your experiences and join the conversation!