Testament – Titans of Creation

8/10

It’s easy to take Testament for granted. They’ve always been around. They’ve always crushed it. They never release any bad albums, but they never release albums as highly held as those by their peers either. It’s true that ‘Practice What You Preach’ and ‘The New Order’ are staples of the genre, but they’re never really mentioned in the same way as ‘Master of Puppets’ or ‘Reign in Blood’ are. However, of all the classic metal bands of the 80’s, it’s not really a stretch to say that Testament is one of the bands that have aged the best.

With a Spinal Tap-like ever revolving line-up, Titans of Creations marks the first time in almost 30 years that the same line-up records two records in a row. Obviously still anchored by eternally stable rhythm guitarist Eric Peterson (whose name sounds more like the band’s accountant than leader), and iconic vocalist Chuck Billy (who looks a little bit like the rival brother of Tom Araya). Returning is also world-class lead guitarist Alex Skolnick, who should be considered one of the most proficient thrash metal guitarists of all time. Backed by reliable metal musician Steve Di Giorgio on bass and the legendary technique of Gene Hoglan on drums, Titans of Creation continues the hot streak of 2016’s excellent ‘Brotherhood of the Snake’ by doing what Testament does best. True, unadulterated, fist-pumping thrash and heavy metal. This is what having a 30+ year long career and never selling out sounds like, and the fans love them for it.