Testament - The Formation of Damnation

February 16, 2009

Reviewer: Rottenbucher

After nearly 10 years of illness, reunions, countless tours and line-up changes, thrash’s saviors and stalwarts, Testament, are back with a new album.  Was it worth the quickly approaching Chinese Democracy wait?  No. But thankfully Testament has released another career-solidifying disc.

With original members Greg Christian on the bass and Alex Skolnick no longer solely solo as well as one-off member Paul Bostaph (ex-Forbidden, ex-Slayer, ex-Exodus) now a drumming full-time, The Formation of Damnation is more than ample return. So where does that leave The Formation of Damnation in Testament’s nearly flawless history?  It’s probably the logical follow-up to Low.

Damnation isn’t has Death Metal-friendly as Demonic or The Gathering.  But the album does have that excessively heavy mood of Low.  Chuck Billy and the band roar to an excellent start on “More Than Meets The Eye.”  Rather standard Testament flair, the song benefits from Billy’s roar, Skolnik’s unique soloing and Bostaff’s thunderous performance.  The 9/11 tribute, “The Evil Has Landed” is probably the classiest of these tributes and another spectacular affair.  Those worried that Testament softened a bit will be pleased with The Gathering-friendly title track.  Built on great riffs, Billy’s lower register, heaps of aggression and Bostaph’s best performance since God Hates Us All, the track is sure to be a fan and pit favorite.

The Skolnick/Peterson/Billy-penned “Danger of the Faithless” is a bit of a buzz kill after the title track.  Utilizing similar riffing to that of The Ritual’s material, the song builds nicely but doesn’t really go far but does feature excellent melodic and hysteric solos from Skolnick.  “The Persecuted Won’t Forget” features that standard Testament-stomp fused with excellent riffs and a pretty spectacularly prog-ladden midsection while the motorcycle club-anthem “Henchmen Ride” returns the album back to heavier territory.  “Killing Season” is another aggressive stomper that allows Peterson and Skolnick to get creative with their riffs. “Afterlife” plays with established Testament styling and features a batch of the best solos on the album.  

The Skolnick-penned “F.E.A.R.” is easily the most creative track on the disc with this matured Thrash meets Prog collision. “Leave Me Forever” features great emotion from Billy and Christian’s fluid bass lines. The track swells with plenty of feeling and fret acrobatics, bluesy sections and all around heaviness.

Andy Wallace nails the production while Testament lifers Peterson and Billy write great tracks with some former co-conspirators that not only include the returning members, but Del James (who used to help Axel Rose with lyrics) and Steve “Zetro” Sousa (who also helps Peterson with the backing vocals).  Basically, The Formation of Damnation is everything you’d expect and desire from Testament. Skolnick’s input is most welcomed and Bostaph hopefully will stick around this time. Those that love their uncompromising Thrash as well as those who appreciate more matured Metal will find plenty to love as this album doesn’t wear out after repeated spins.  While not Testament’s de facto disc, it’s one of their best.  Hopefully we won’t have to wait 9 years for the follow up.

Release Date: April 29th, 2008
Label: Nuclear Blast Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Piercing The Veils Of Slumber
2.  Triumph Of Heretic Fire
3.  Black Sun Of The Damned
4.  Angstgeist
5.  Dead Cult
6.  Hate Is My Name
7.  Poisoned Words
8.  Vectors To The Void
9.  Blessings Of Blackfire

Total playing time:  40:24

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