Five Essential Thrash Metal Anthems To Mosh To Ahead Of Testament’s Australian Tour
Here are five of Testament’s biggest and best anthems.
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Bay Area thrash legends Testament return to Australia this week for their first headline tour since 2010.
Announcing themselves with their 1987 debut album The Legacy, which was universally praised by critics, Testament have gone on to release 13 studio albums and become known for their metal anthmes including ‘Over The Wall’, ‘Practice What You Preach’, ‘Rise Up’, ‘Into The Pit’, ‘Brotherhood Of The Snake’, ‘Low’, ‘The New Order’ and ‘First Strike Is Deadly’.
Their albums The Legacy and The New Order were inducted into Decibel Magazine’s prestigious Hall Of Fame, alongside Metallica, Black Sabbath, and Motörhead, while Guitar World recognised Practice What You Preach as one of the Top Ten Shred Albums of all time.
Ahead of Testament’s Adelaide gig at The Gov on Sunday 22 June, we present the band’s five essential thrash metal anthems to get you moshing.
‘Rise Up’
‘Rise Up’ is a high-energy thrash metal anthem that captures the spirit of rebellion and empowerment. The song bursts with aggressive riffs, pounding drums, and commanding vocals as it urges listeners to rise against oppression and stand strong in the face of adversity. Fuelled by defiance, it embodies the band’s signature style, delivering both raw intensity and a powerful message of resilience. As part of Testament’s discography, ‘Rise Up’ exemplifies their ability to fuse technical mastery with deeply motivational themes. It’s a rallying cry for strength, unity, and resistance.
‘Practice What YOu Preach’
‘Practice What You Preach’ is the standout track from Testament's 1989 album of the same name, embodying the raw energy and melodic craftsmanship that defined the thrash metal movement of the late 1980s. The song delves deep into themes of hypocrisy and moral accountability, urging listeners to align their actions with their words — a timeless message wrapped in relentless riffs and powerful vocals. The lyrical narrative is sharp and thought-provoking, questioning the integrity of individuals who fail to live up to their proclamations and ideals. Testament uses the song not merely as a critique but as a rallying call for authenticity in both personal and societal realms.
‘Native Blood’
‘Native Blood’ is a powerful thrash metal anthem that delves into themes of cultural pride and resilience. The song speaks to the struggles faced by indigenous people, emphasising their strength in preserving their traditions and identity despite oppression. Through intense guitar riffs and commanding vocals, the track also serves as a rallying cry, urging listeners to embrace their roots and stand firm against societal challenges. Testament's lyrical and musical delivery creates a visceral experience, highlighting the deep connection between heritage and the fight for recognition and justice. The song reflects frontman Chuck Billy’s Native American heritage.
‘Into the Pit’
‘Into the Pit’ is one of Testament's iconic tracks, serves as a thunderous testament to the power of thrash metal. Featured on the band's second album The New Order, released in 1988, this song captures the raw intensity, aggression, and technical prowess that defined the burgeoning thrash metal movement of the 1980s. It remains a quintessential thrash metal anthem, embodying the genre's spirit of intensity, musical virtuosity, and unyielding rebellion. Testament’s ability to channel raw power into their music ensures that this track continues to inspire and energise metal fans worldwide. Whether in the mosh pit or through headphones, ‘Into the Pit’ is a timeless testament to the ferocity of thrash metal.
‘Low’
‘Low’ is the title track from Testament’s 1994 album Low, marking a stylistic shift for the band. Moving away from their traditional thrash roots, the song embraces a heavier, groove-oriented sound with elements of death metal. Lyrically, ‘Low’ deals with emotional turmoil, betrayal, and inner rage, expressing a sense of personal darkness and frustration. Chuck Billy’s vocals alternate between aggressive growls and melodic passages, complementing the song's brooding, down-tuned guitar riffs. As a defining track of Testament’s mid-'90s evolution, ‘Low’ showcases their willingness to experiment while maintaining their trademark intensity.
Catch Testament at The Gov on Sunday 22 June 22. Tickets on sale now via the Metropolis Touring website.
Testament Australian Tour 2025
Wednesday 18 June – The Tivoli, Brisbane
Friday 20 June - The Metro, Sydney
Saturday 21 June - Northcote Theatre, Melbourne
Sunday 22 June - The Gov, Adelaide
Tuesday 24 June - Metropolis Fremantle, Perth
