Band's List Bay Area Thrash Testament The Formation of Damnation

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.

For all those Testament fans (me included)that were living in the honeymoon that was the Testament reunion tour, the arrival of a new(Testament)album was very much a pleasant bonus to an already happy time in our fan hood. This album contains some instant classics like "More Than Meets the Eye", "The Evil Has Landed" and "The Formation of Damnation", however I feel that the albums momentum stops there. The rest of the album feels like a bunch of filler songs with some here and there good moments, but overall very average and forgetable song writing and performing. Yes, Skolnick solo's still prove to be the center piece of most songs and they add layers of greatness in every tune, but the songs (except the ones mentioned before) by them selves do not pass the test of time in my opinion,but grow old and stale very quickly.
Paul Bostaph's drumming adds great dynamics to the sound and keeps it thrashy enough where you can still feel some old glory days when lsitening to this album, but those are the only high lights of this album.

I do think the album itself is a good starting point for those who un-followed the band when Skolnick left, but for those who have been following regarless, I would strongly recomend sticking with your copy of "The Gathering" album as your resident Testament car tune.