For the Glory OF… Testament! – 92%
Relixx599, August 31st, 2021
Written based on this version: 2008, CD, Nuclear Blast Records
Iremember buying “The Formation of Damnation” in the spring of 2008. Still a fairly bleak time for thrash metal but the writing was on the wall. It was on its way back. Testament to me, were always the little train that could, chugging along gracefully but never quite reaching the finish line of heavy metal glory. I think that’s why I became such a fan of theirs. I was subconsciously rooting for them.
The Formation of Damnation is a comeback album in every sense of the term. Guitar- God Alex Skolnick and original bassist Greg Christian had returned to the fold, Chuck Billy had overcome cancer and the world was once again opening its ears to true metal. I really had no expectations for TFOD but I still felt that kinship to Testament and a part of me was still cheering for them.
Once “More Than Meets the Eye” kicks into that ever familiar Testament gallop, I knew I was going to enjoy the disc. It felt so natural and nostalgic to hear this band again and to know that this is quite possibly a new beginning; I was stoked to say the least. Andy Sneap’s crisp production really gives the album the heft and balls that had been missing from so many metal recordings, especially thrash. The low end takes its rightful place in the mix as the guitar work jumps and noodles from track to track. Skolnick and Peterson shine in every way possible here and give it that old school punch. Chuck Billy once again sounds like Chuck Billy and Paul Bostaph rules the day with not only his technical abilities but his knowledge of what a Testament song should sound like and sound-wise, this is the best the band has ever been.
My only real complaint of TFOD would be its front loaded presentation, something that has plagued Testament for a long time and still continues to this day. It always seems the best material is found in the first three or four songs and then it gradually descends. Not that any of it is shitty or unfit; it’s just a matter of the better songs being at the beginning. There is also the silly lyrics which has never been a strong point for the band. Some lyrics can boarder on cringy while others just seem a bit juvenile. I guess maybe that’s just part of their charm. At least you can understand what their saying…
I do own the band’s full discography and I find myself listening to this one a lot. To me it’s still a perfect storm of an album and contains all the trappings of what I want out of a Testament disc; galloping thrash metal with balls and charm.
rafazardly 