The Bottom Line
A welcome return by Bay Area thrash pioneers after a nearly 10 year absence.
Pros
- Great guitar solos from Alex Skolnick
Cons
- Could use a little more variety
Description
- Released April 29, 2008 on Nuclear Blast Records.
- The CD was produced by band members Eric Peterson and Chuck Billy and mixed by Andy Sneap.
- This is Testament's ninth studio CD.
Guide Review - Testament - The Formation Of Damnation
Testament reunited at the Thrash Of The Titans concert in 2002, but it was their European tour in 2005 that inspired them to get back into the studio and record their first CD since 1999's The Gathering. The 2008 version of Testament is vocalist Chuck Billy, guitarists Alex Skolnick and Eric Peterson, bassist Greg Christian and drummer Paul Bostaph.
On Formation Of Damnation Testament has taken their old school experience and familiarity with each other along with renewed energy and passion to create a CD that's both mature and modern. The return of Alex Skolnick has added an extra dimension to the band's sound. His guitar wizardry and searing solos propel the songs which are intense and heavy, but also have plenty of melody.
Chuck Billy's vocals are aggressive and edgy, whether he's singing or growling. There's been a lot of anticipation for this CD, and if you've never been much of a Testament fan this won't convert you. But for fans and thrash lovers, The Formation Of Damnation is an imperfect but ultimately satisfying release.
