Formed in 1981 in the decaying South London inner-city area of New Cross. Test Dept has always rejected the conventional and developed a style reflecting the decay of their surroundings. Taking, transforming industrial items to build a hard rhythm based sound Test Dept soon became involved in political action against the rising Conservative state.

Test Dept created a unique performance environment, using slide, film projections in disused industrial settings. The scale of the performance events began to rose and other working artists became involved under the umbrella of the "Ministry of Power." Collaborations formed not only between filmmakers, sculptors and dancers but also politically active groups.

Test Dept became renowned for producing site specific work in and around the United Kingdom. Test Dept also toured extensively in Europe.

Illicit were involved with Test Department from 1988 until the mid 1990's working as production and tour manager. Through this period Illicit also gained experience of working with co-operatives, business management, co-ordinating cash flow, tour booking and venue liaison.

Websites on Test Department can be found at http://www.invisiblerecords.com/bands/testdept/, http://www.esophagus.com/test-dept/ & http://www.obsolete.com/testdept/