Testament was one of the first thrash metal bands to emerge from the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1980 s. Originally formed as Legacy in 1983 by founding members Eric Peterson (rhythm guitar), Derrick Ramirez (guitar) and Louie Clemente (drums), the line-up included vocalist Steve Souza and Greg Christian (bass). Ramirez was later replaced by wunderkind Alex Skolnick (lead guitar). Souza soon departed to join Exodus and suggested that the towering Chuck Billy take over as frontman. The band became known as Testament 3 years later, while recording their debut album in Ithaca, New York.
     
      The Legacy was a brutal intro in 1987, putting Testament at the forefront of the flourishing thrash metal scene. Following Live At Eindhoven, an EP recorded at Holland s Dynamo Festival, The New Order in 1988 was well received producing one of the band s most memorable classics Disciples Of The Watch. Next came the highly successful Practice What You Preach in 1989, then the release of Souls Of Black in 1990, coinciding with the European Clash Of The Titans tour with Slayer, Megade... (More AMEN Biography)