To put it short: the comeback of the year. To add a few words: far better than anything I’ve heard so far this year.
Now, who doesn’t know Testament? It’s simply thrash at its finest. It’s of the most influential bands hailing from the Bay Area, the forefathers and founders of the genre along with the once glorious Metallica. But that’s rethoric. What matters here, is that this one album kicks ass. I might have something for much awaited releases, just like Symphony X‘ Paradise Lost last year. Same thing here. Testament haven’t been still and unactive during this hiatus; they’ve been playing, touring, and, as we can appreciate now, writing new music. Whatever made them find their old thrash vein back again, the guys are back. And they’re making quite a statement with The Formation of Damnation.They rock their way through the whole album, shouting in chuck billy’s raw voice: we are back to rock your heads off.
Nothing really new, no experimental mix of different styles, nothing of the sorts. But do you need that to make a great album? Each song stands out of its own, and that alone should speak for the band’s creativity. My personal hits are More Than Meets the Eye (preceeded by an intro which flows perfectly into it), The Persecuted Won’t Forget, Henchmen Ride and last and foremost, “F.E.A.R.”, perhaps the catchiest among the catchy. but it’s almost random picking, as the whole album is a constant, sharp, fast-paced cavalcade through energetic riffs and the great solos that skolnick’s mastery is expected to bring out.
One great thing about this album, is that it never tires you out. no good album should; this one really doesn’t. It’s not too long (it slightly fails to reach the 50 minutes mark), nor too short. And once you’ve listened through, it’ll most likely have you press the “repeat all” button – over and over. There are not many albums you never really get bored with; and this is definitely one of them. And unlike many albums, no lowlights are to be found. Every song is worth many a listen – not meaning they need many in order to be appreciated, rather you will want to hear them over again.
THUS SPAKE THE CENNSOR: Some said the album is not so technical, not virtuosistic at all – is that a bad thing? It’s still fresh, powerful and catchy, and that’s what matters. I think it’s no blasphemy to say some of the new songs will soon share the Testament classics’ fortune. The stage will be the ultimate test – and no doubt they’ll pass it. As of now, let’s enjoy this recording. Especially if you’re in the need for something fast and massive. that’s two things Testament can quite combine. 8/10
