There cannot be many bands as prominent as Testament who can say they have been through a dozen drummers in their time, with quite a few having more than one stint, but yet again the Spinal Tap curse has fallen with Gene Hoglan leaving in 2022 after his second time behind the kit, who was then replaced by the returning Dave Lombardo, before finally the permanent replacement came in the form of former Seven Spires drummer Chris Dovas. Eric Peterson is the only surviving founder from pre-Testament group Legacy, but he and singer Chuck Billy have been involved on every record while Alex Skolnick was also there from the early days before time off for good behaviour then returning in 2005 and bassist Steve Di Giorgio came back for his second stint in 2014. If it was not for the drummer issue Testament would be quite stable, but although Dovas has some huge shoes to fill (I mean, Paul Bostaph also drummed for them at one point!) he sounds as if he has been there forever.
I still view 2012’s ‘Dark Roots of Earth’ as a pivotal moment for Testament, as it was here that everything fully gelled and a new generation realised just how important this band were to the thrash scene. It has always seemed incredible to me that Metallica, a band who has released nothing of real import since 1991’s ‘Metallica’, are viewed more highly than Testament as these guys have been way more consistent, and that is proved yet again with this release where they sound tight, fresh, and having a blast. I find it difficult to listen to Skolnick blast out the riffs when I know he has a huge love of jazz (check out the band PAKT), but here he is restraining himself and it is metal to the core, yet with some great commercial elements.
Chuck Billy is as powerful as he ever was, showing no sign at all of losing any of his vocal chops even though he is now in his sixties, with this album yet again showing how a great thrash band has become a vintage act without ever losing any of their power or strength. Next year they celebrate their 40th anniversary as Testament, although they were formed as Legacy in 1983, but show no sign at all of slowing down yet. This is yet another great album from Testament which will please all existing fans, while it will also undoubtedly bring new metalheads into the fold. Superb.
Rating: 8/10
Links:
https://www.testamentlegions.com/
https://www.nuclearblast.com/