In a recent interview with Tone-Talk, TESTAMENT guitarist Alex Skolnick discussed the relationships between thrash metal bands during the mid-to-late '80s.

Despite the intense competition within the genre, Skolnick noted that there was more camaraderie and encouragement among the bands.

He mentioned that each band had a unique sound, with TESTAMENT having already released their first record by the time METALLICA was touring for 'Master of Puppets' and SLAYER had several records out.

Skolnick also revealed a brief period of competition when EXODUS parted ways with their singer Paul Baloff and poached TESTAMENT's singer Steve 'Zetro' Souza.

However, the situation led to both bands developing distinct sounds.

Skolnick also spoke about his experiences working in a two-guitar band like TESTAMENT, explaining that each two-guitar situation varies and is dependent on the band's style and individual guitarists' abilities.