Band: Testament Album: The Formation Of Damnation Label: Nuclear Blast Rating: 7/10 Website: http://www.testamentlegions.com BUY NOW!

With their first new material for 10 years, mighty thrash gods Testament begin a legendary comeback. With an almost classic line up (minus original drummer) it appears nothing could possibly go wrong with new album ‘The Formation Of Damnation’, right? Well with 10 years of preparation time there would be much to answer for any mistakes that’s for certain! A lot of well-placed pressure has been imposed upon this album and with just cause. The abrupt split left many yearning for more from a band who had just hit the pinnacle of their musical careers. If nothing else, in this time of thrash revolution, the band successfully provide a welcome break from the over elaborate teenagers in their sister’s jeans jumping around the stage as though each time they play will be their last! However, there is something else, in fact there is a hell of a lot else… The two pre-released songs, ‘More Than Meets The Eye’ and ‘The Henchmen Ride’ are indisputably the two most impressive tracks, but are by no means the only great songs on the album. The epic saga begins with a rather unnecessary introduction, which essentially is just a prolonged adaptation of the opening riff of the second song, the former of the two previously mentioned. That said, the first time you listen it excites and even after that it detracts in no way from the song which proceeds it, maybe even enhancing in a needless sort of way. The following song however is one of intense enjoyment and dense guitar riffage, resulting in what I can only foresee will be a thrash masterpiece which we will celebrate for years to come. Sadly however, it is this song, along with the latter of those mentioned, which really make this album. While all of the other songs are good, and mark a strong return for the heavy legends, they do not create the sort of magic that many of us were expecting. The great songs include the tenth on the album, ‘FEAR’ and anthem ‘The Persecuted Won’t Forget’ with immense drumming and power chords flying all over the shop. Both of these songs contain factors that ultimately get the blood pumping. The typecast speedy guitar which, while repetitive, never fails to impress…not to mention the signature gruff vocals which dominate the entire work. Real, quality thrash metal. Overall…this album holds the kind of power we would expect from Chuck Billy and the team but there is a definite element of disappointment felt with the listening of the music. Mainly I put this down to the fact that the hype surrounding the material was so great that it was never going to fulfil all of our high expectations, but some of the blame must be placed on the band. They have made a solid, enjoyable album but they had a chance to produce what could have become a landmark in metal history and I don’t believe they have achieved this…doubtless a must to buy nonetheless. Lewis Klein Back to Reviews