The Spitfire Collection [PA] (CD - 2007)

Personnel: Chuck Billy (vocals); Eric Peterson (guitar, acoustic guitar); James Murphy, Alex Skolnick (guitar); Dave Lombardo, John Tempesta, Louie Clemente, Gene Hoglan (drums).

For a spell during the late '90s and early 21st century, the record label of choice for second wave thrash metallists Testament was Spitfire. Over the course of five albums, the group issued a pair of studio albums (Demonic and The Gathering), and a pair of live sets (Live at the Fillmore and Live in London), as well as a set which was comprised of re-recordings of early Testament classics (First Strike Still Deadly). Although Testament made the jump to another label (Nuclear Blast), Spitfire wasn't through with their old pals, as they offered the appropriately titled The Spitfire Collection in 2007, which collected highlights from the aforementioned quintet of albums. Despite this 14-track set not including original versions of the early Testament classics, what you do get is a pretty faithful representation of where Testament was at during this time. In other words...sticking to their thrash metal guns during a time when the style wasn't exactly "en vogue" -- as evidenced by such latter-day ditties as "Down for Life" and "Riding the Snake," as well as spirited renditions of the classics "Practice What You Preach" and "Over the Wall." ~ Greg Prato minimize