Labeled as one of the "big six" of the 1980s Bay Area thrash metal scene (along with Exodus, Death Angel, Lååz Rockit, Forbidden and Vio-lence), Testament is often credited as one of the most popular and influential bands of the thrash metal scene, as well as one of the leaders of the second wave of the genre in the late 1980s. They have also been referred to as one of the "big eight" of thrash metal, along with Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, Exodus, Overkill and Death Angel. The band has sold over 1.4 million albums in the United States since the beginning of the SoundScan era and over 14 million copies worldwide. To date, Testament has released thirteen studio albums (one of which is a collection of re-recorded songs), four live albums, five compilation albums, twelve singles and three DVDs.
After signing to Atlantic Records in 1986, and changing its name from Legacy to Testament, the band released their debut album The Legacy in 1987, followed a year later by The New Order (1988); both albums were acclaimed by critics and the press, including heavy metal-related publications. The band achieved mainstream popularity with its third album Practice What You Preach (1989), which was Testament's first album to climb up the Top 100 on the Billboard 200 chart. A string of more successful albums were released during the early-to-mid-1990s, including Souls of Black (1990), The Ritual (1992) and Low (1994), with the first two also entering the Top 100 on the Billboard 200 chart. After Atlantic dropped the band in 1995, Testament (who had at this point had begun to experiment with a death metal-influenced sound) continued to record and perform until their temporary hiatus in 2001, when Billy was diagnosed with cancer. By 2005, his cancer was in remission and Testament had resumed activity, which saw a brief reunion of The Legacy lineup, resulting in the live album Live in London. Since then, Testament has experienced a resurgence of popularity, with four of their studio albums—The Formation of Damnation (2008), Dark Roots of Earth (2012), Brotherhood of the Snake (2016) and Titans of Creation (2020)—all entering the Top 100 on the Billboard 200, and they have continued to tour consistently.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Testament_(band)
Studio albums
The Legacy (1987)
The New Order (1988)
Practice What You Preach (1989)
Souls of Black (1990)
The Ritual (1992)
Low (1994)
Demonic (1997)
The Gathering (1999)
First Strike Still Deadly (2001)
The Formation of Damnation (2008)
Dark Roots of Earth (2012)
Brotherhood of the Snake (2016)
Titans of Creation (2020)
City Of Angels
Testament Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The headlines scream, hear them roar
Sanctified by the crimson by a diabolical drifter
The Night Stalker prowls to hunt you down
Who is this evil slayer, Death Valley perpetrator
When you say goodnight beware of the dark
City of Angels, Servant of Satan
Servant of Satan, City of Angels,
Beware of the beast when he comes
Los Angeles taunted by America’s Most Wanted
This Merciless killer comes to claim his prize
Home invasion terror, and it feels just like forever
Nineteen eighty-five, He’s got you in his sights
Frenzied mutilation, a morbid celebration
Nocturnal hunt for the taste of blood
Solo: Peterson
Frenzied mutilation, a morbid celebration
Nocturnal hunt for the taste of blood
Solo 1: Peterson
Solo 2: Skolnick
Metropolitan bloodbath is the L.A.P.D.’s shame
All the locks and doors are bolted down
A rising death toll, beware and now behold
The mark of evil is painted red
Frenzied mutilation, a morbid celebration
Nocturnal hunt for the taste of blood
The lyrics to "City of Angels" by Testament depict the heinous crimes and terror caused by a sadistic serial killer in Los Angeles. The song begins by describing this perpetrator as a sadist without reason, a pervert for all seasons, emphasizing the senseless nature of his actions. The headlines scream and roar, as he is sanctified by the crimson, representing the bloodshed he leaves in his wake. The killer, referred to as the Night Stalker, prowls the city, hunting his victims with a diabolical mindset. The lyrics caution listeners to be aware of the darkness when saying goodnight, as this evil slayer lurks in the shadows.
The chorus warns the people of Los Angeles to beware of the beast, referring to the serial killer, in the City of Angels. The lyrics indicate the killer's association with Satan, emphasizing the sheer malevolence of his actions. The second verse highlights the impact of the killer's actions on the city, with Los Angeles taunted by his presence. The terror of home invasions and the feeling of perpetual fear are conveyed, particularly referencing the year 1985 as a significant period marked by his reign of terror.
The song continues to describe the monster's frenzied mutilations, portraying it as a morbid celebration for him. The hunt for blood under the cover of darkness solidifies the chilling and dangerous nature of his deeds. The lyrics also touch upon the shame of the L.A.P.D., their struggle to curb the rising death toll, and the evil's mark painted red, symbolizing the indelible impact left by the serial killer.
Overall, "City of Angels" exposes the horrors and fear created by a serial killer in Los Angeles, warning listeners to be cautious and vigilant in the face of darkness.
Line by Line Meaning
Sadist without reason, a pervert for all seasons
A person who enjoys causing pain without any motive, a deviant who indulges in twisted behavior no matter the time or circumstances
The headlines scream, hear them roar
The news articles are filled with alarming information, their noise echoing loudly
Sanctified by the crimson by a diabolical drifter
Blessed or empowered by the bloodshed caused by a sinister wanderer
The Night Stalker prowls to hunt you down
The infamous Night Stalker lurks and searches for his victims
Who is this evil slayer, Death Valley perpetrator
Identifying the wicked killer who operates in Death Valley
When you say goodnight beware of the dark
When you bid farewell for the night, be cautious of the unknown dangers that lie in darkness
City of Angels, Servant of Satan
Referring to Los Angeles as both a place associated with glamour and corruption, and acknowledging the influence of evil within it
Beware of the beast tonight he calls
Be cautious of the monstrous entity that beckons for victims on this particular evening
Servant of Satan, City of Angels
Acknowledging the role of evil in Los Angeles and its dark allure
Beware of the beast when he comes
Exercise caution when the beast makes its appearance
Los Angeles taunted by America’s Most Wanted
The city of Los Angeles being challenged or teased by the notorious criminals featured on the television show America’s Most Wanted
This Merciless killer comes to claim his prize
The merciless murderer arrives to seize his chosen victim
Home invasion terror, and it feels just like forever
The horrifying experience of an intruder in one's own home, and the feeling of it lasting indefinitely
Nineteen eighty-five, He’s got you in his sights
Referring to the specific year 1985 when the killer has targeted you
Frenzied mutilation, a morbid celebration
An intense, chaotic act of disfigurement, presented as a disturbing form of revelry
Nocturnal hunt for the taste of blood
The search for victims conducted at night, driven by a desire to consume their blood
Solo: Peterson
Instrumental solo performed by Peterson
Solo 1: Peterson
First instrumental solo performed by Peterson
Solo 2: Skolnick
Second instrumental solo performed by Skolnick
Metropolitan bloodbath is the L.A.P.D.’s shame
The violent massacre in the city is a disgrace for the Los Angeles Police Department
All the locks and doors are bolted down
Ensuring that all entrances are securely locked and barricaded
A rising death toll, beware and now behold
The number of deaths increasing continuously, demanding vigilance and witnessing the horrors
The mark of evil is painted red
A sign or indication of the malevolence is vividly portrayed in the color red
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Eric Peterson, Charles Billy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind