Not only are we getting new Testament this year, but we’re also getting some touched-up old Testament as well! According to Testament frontman Chuck Billy in an interview with The Rockpit, Testament will remix their 1990 record Souls Of Black direct from the original 2″ tape it was recorded on. So at least they’ve got top quality source material.
“We’re gonna remix it,” said Billy. “We actually have the two-inch tape, so instead of just remastering, we’re gonna remix it. And it’s actually being mixed right now. And we got a new packaging.
“So I think that’ll be out towards the end of the year or early next year. And then, of course, touring [for the new record Para Bellum], we’ll find some time somewhere to go just play that record [Souls Of Black] just to celebrate and help market and promote that release when it comes out. And that’ll be fun.
“We’re getting the rights back for all our first six records on Atlantic. And then the next one [to be reissued after Souls Of Black is] gonna be The Ritual. And that’s one we always shied away from, but now I look forward to playing that whole record one day. I look forward to it.”
Usually I’m not super into remixes and remasters, but at least Testament has the original source material to work with – as opposed to doing it with whatever digital files have been passed down over the years.
Speaking of new Testament (the band, not the Bible), Para Bellum was recorded with Juan Urteaga, mixed by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios, mastered by Tony Lindgren, and given artwork by longtime collaborator Eliran Kantor.
The album will be available in multiple formats, including a CD jewel case with 20-page booklet, gold cassette, 2LP gatefold with 16-page booklet, and a range of exclusive vinyl colorways. Pre-orders for Para Bellum are available here.
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