Not only did Testament not suffer from the infamous sophomore slump on its second album, The New Order, but the band delivered its best offering ever. Order is every bit as brutally forceful as The Legacy, but the songs are even more memorable. Testament's outlook was still far from cheerful. Taking no prisoners either musically or lyrically, the headbangers embrace morbid gothic themes on such bombastic treasures as "Trial by Fire," "Disciples of the Watch," and "Into the Pit." And Testament's cover of Aerosmith's "Nobody's Fault" is one of the band's finest accomplishments. For those purchasing their first Testament album, Order is the ideal choice. ~ Alex Henderson