Back in the late 1980s and early 90s, Testament were only just behind the likes of Megadeth and Slayer in the thrash-metal hierarchy. Indeed, they played with those two bands on the European ‘Clash Of The Titans’ tour, shortly before filming their own 1991 US tour for the Seen Between The Lines video. With the band’s early albums re-released on Atlantic last year, now it’s time to bring their live experience to DVD.

The core feature is that live show, but additionally you get the usual interview and backstage snippets. Maybe it’d be wise for bands that can’t avoid sounding like Spinal Tap to avoid these features, though Testament surely aren’t alone in this. However embarrassing some of it may be in hindsight, it’s a real slice from the past – a time warp, back into the time of denim and leather. No doubt indeed the band are of historical interest, hugely influential on the current crop of American metal bands, such as Lamb Of God and Chimaira.

Their videos are still fun in their own right too, albeit in a cheesy way, but that doesn’t mean all their material has stood the test of time so well. Perhaps the real reason Testament never quite achieved as much as their peers was that they got left behind when others upped the ante.

Admittedly this release probably isn’t aimed at a new market; and of course long time fans may relish the prospect of re-living the band’s hey-day without fear of wearing out their old videotape. What’s most disappointing, however, is that although the footage was apparently re-mastered, it hardly shows. My computer monitor doesn’t fully exploit the possibilities of DVD, but the picture quality seems notably inferior to newer releases. Definitely one only for the hardcore fan – and those that can stomach nudity and vomiting at that!

(1½/5)