Oakland Thrashers LEGACY were the forerunners of TESTAMENT. Founded during 1993 the band comprised guitarists Eric Peterson and Derek Ramirez, bassist Greg Christian and drummer Louis Clemente. A 1984 four song demo would see Ramirez handling lead vocals, after which Steve 'Zetro' Souza was recruited as frontman. A second demo session arrived in 1985, the track 'Reign Of Terror' gaining exposure as featured on the 'Eastern Front Vol. 2' compilation album. . These tracks were produced by Doug Piercy, a noted scene guitarist with credentials stretching through CONTROL, COBRA, ANVIL CHORUS and DELTA. However, Souza then bailed out to join fellow up and coming local Thrashers EXODUS. The band recruited new singer Chuck Billy, performing a solitary concert under the LEGACY title fronted by Billy in July 1986 prior to adopting the TESTAMENT brand.

TESTAMENT scored a deal with Atlantic Records and went on to become a significant force on the global Thrash scene. Peterson and Ramirez would subsequently activate side project DRAGONLORD. Christian went on to HAVOCHATE whilst Clemente featured with GALLERY OF SUICIDE.