Loading ...
You will be redirected
|
| 29 April 2008 - Nuclear Blast |
 |
You must be logged to rate this album
1. For the Glory of
2. More than Meets the Eye
3. The Evil Has Landed
4. Formation of Damnation
5. Dangers of the Faithless
6. The Persecuted Won't Forget
7. Henchmen Ride
8. Killing Season
9. Afterlife
10. F.E.A.R.
11. Leave Me Forever |
|
|
|
| Review |
 15 / 20 |
|
Testament's 2008 LP release, "The Formation of Damnation" is a prize offering of classic Bay Area thrash to the metal gods and their fans. This album is neither a new version of thrash nor a mere repeat performance of old. Rather, "The Formation of Damnation" is really a template of what they do best coupled with an excellent sound, both in tone and in production. "The Persecuted Won't Forget" could be the best song for this reason. It's also super agressive right off the bat, the gang vocal chorus is most effective, and all the musicians execute their parts as if they are all on the same page. Individually, there are songs that highlight everyone at least once. "Leave Me Forever" leads with a strong base line and "F.E.A.R." is a virtual drum clinic on thrash beats. There are variances in tempo, but none of the tracks are sLow. The voice range of Chuck Billy is as powerful as ever, but the chorus lines on a couple tracks gives way to a more melodic tinge, like "More Than Meets The Eye" and "Killing Season". Lyrically charged politically, the best one-two punch may be from "The Evil Has Landed" and "The Formation of Damnation". The first song blisters from the fire still burning from the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and Testament does an incredible job of jabbing this sonic fist with a genuine sentiment. "The Formation of Damnation"; however, points the finger at the Bush administration as partial blame for the afformentioned atrocity. Only in metal will the truth dare to tread and for Testament it's just one of the many dimensions that keeps them relevant. Of course, the best dimension is the lead and rhythm guitar work of Skolnick and Peterson. "The Formation of Damnation" features two great guitar solos, the second by Skolnick is electrifying amidst a heavy, metallic, double time rhythm backdrop. Other soloing worthy of note comes from "The Evil Has Landed" and "Dangers Of The Faithless". Even though by definition thrash metal is complex, Testament's "The Formation of Damnation" is rather straightforward. The main emphasis is on maintaining a high standard of tone, crunch, and aggression. As a result, this great album does nothing to diminish the title given to Testament as the fifth father of thrash metal.
 0 comment |
|
|
