The Formation Of Damnation Review

Release Date: Apr 29, 2008
Label: Nuclear Blast
Genres: Metal, Thrash
Number Of Tracks: 11
Metallica might have turn their backs on the sound that originally brought them notoriety years ago but fellow Bay Area bashers, Testament have returned with a new set of blazing thrash metal!

Sound:	9
Lyrics:	7.7
Impression:	9
Overall rating:	8.6
Users rating:	9.8
Comments:	40

overall: 8

Featured review by: UG Team, on april 29, 2008

Sound: You would be hard pressed to find a veteran musician as dedicated to heavy metal as Eric Peterson. The Testament guitarist has been waving the thrash metal flag for the better part of three decades through commercial highs and lows. Throughout the mid-90’s, when most of his peers either threw in the towel or altered their sound to try and fit whatever the current trends were, Peterson went the other way, taking his band’s sound into even heavier territories. The Formation of Damnation is the Bay Area legends’ first new studio album in years and it’s a beast of a collection! From the epic march of instrumental opener, “For The Glory Of...” to the anthemic refrains of “More Than Meets the Eye,” it is clear that the band is intent on reclaiming their glory and proving their relevance. What truly made Testament a force to reckon was their seamless blend of grit and harmony and the band quickly plays on their strengths here. The thick power chords that frame “More Than Meets the Eye” give way to a hooky chorus and the kind of chant that was tailor-made for optimal crowd participation.

After a decade plus break from the band, lead guitarist Alex Skolnick returns to the fold and his presence is immediately felt. On paper, his jazz-leaning solos finding their way onto the band’s ferocious assault would seem like an “oil and water” kind of disaster. Funnily enough, it actually turns out to be the ingredient that was missing on the band’s last two albums. His fluidity and colorful playing tempers Peterson’s monolithic riffing lending the proceedings some interesting contrast. His sweeping solos on songs like “Henchmen Ride” and “Afterlife” are lessons in restraint, melodic interplay, and taste. His years away playing with his jazz trio seems to have actually invigorated the guitarist’s passion for rock guitar. // 8

Lyrics and Singing: Testament has tackled everything from environmental issues to child abuse and even occult themes on their earliest output. The Formation of Damnation is a very lyrically current record. “The Evil Has Landed” deals with the threat of terrorism and climate in the Middle East. The song even goes onto name-check “9/11” in the opening lines. “Killing Season” is a rally call for the American troops stationed overseas. With the Catholic Church under terrible scrutiny in the last few years, vocalist Chuck Billy goes at it head on with the damning lyrics of “Dangers of the Faithless.” His unfussy and direct lyrical style suits the nature of these subjects. Check out the venomous wordplay of a song like “The Persecuted Won’t Forget” for proof of Billy’s power. An avid biker, he makes a case for the freedom of the open road on the thrilling, “Henchmen Ride.” This is the kind of mid-tempo crusher that the band does so well. Another strong suite of the group in the past has been the slow-burning, ballad-type of track. I kept on waiting for a moment like that to show it's face but it never did. I might be in the minority on this but I would have loved to hear a song like “Return to Serenity” on this new album. But with material this heavy, it's absence isn’t a deal breaker. // 8

Impression: It’s not that Testament have ever made a weak album-The Ritual wasn’t that bad-but TFOD sounds like the wrecking machine legions of thrash fans came to love. Peterson dishes out some of the most potent riffs of his career while Greg Christian (bass) and former Forbidden and Slayer drummer, Paul Bostaph lock in grooves with expert results. On “Leave Me Forever,” the ace rhythm section lay down an ominous yet infectious groove that recalls “Souls of Black” from earlier in their storied career. A few years back, Billy was diagnosed with cancer and ultimately beat it with the help of an unorthodox combo of modern and Native American medicine. From the stand-out performance the vocalist gives here, you would never know it. Not only does his signature roar remain intact, years of singing have revealed a new, almost soulful croon beneath the wailing. Throughout the years, Billy has been often compared to James Hetfield but he proves here that he is in a class all his own. The men in Testament might be in their early '40s and late '30s but they play with the virility of a band half their age. With TFOD they have crafted an album that could have easily have come out twenty years ago but somehow still sounds as fresh and urgent as anything out in the current metal scene. That in itself is a feat not to be ignored. // 8

- Carlos Ramirez (c) 2008

overall: 8.7

Reviewed by: thisHATEinside, on april 29, 2008

Sound: Anyone who is a fan of legendary Bay Area thrash metal band Testament knows that one of their key trademarks is that they do not follow any other trends of other thrash bands. In the early 1990s when Metallica decided to become more "commercially accessible," Testament went in the exact opposite direction, becoming almost a death metal band in their brutality. However, as amazing as these albums were, fans still searched for that missing piece. Today, they have found it again. Ladies and gentlemen, Alex Skolnick is back. Arguably the greatest and most technical thrash guitarist of all time, Skolnick's prowess of shredding makes it's welcome return to the band after a long 16 years. However, what makes the album's sound truly amazing is Testament's combination of their classic Skolnick-era speed and technicality with all the heaviness of the 90s, including Eric Peterson's brutal crushing rhythm guitars. Former Slayer drummer Paul Bostaph rounds out the band with his excellent double-bass talents, along with some surprisingly interesting drum parts. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: I personally over the years have generally loved the lyrics of Testament's albums, but unfortunately I must admit that by far the weakest part of the album are the lyrics/song titles. For example, "The Evil Has Landed" is about 9/11... 7 years after it happened. Also, while Testament's social commentary is pretty good and original, on this album some of it feels a little stereotypical and overused, like the "Society is choking me" in "The Persecuted Won't Regret." However, what saves the album's lyrics is Chuck Billy's voice, who is living proof that cancer cannot only be beaten, it can be beaten to a pulp; not only has Chuck's voice withstood vocal cancer, but it almost sounds the better for it. I have heard his voice compared to sounding like he just gargled broken glass, and that is about right. It's that cutting, rough and earth-moving scream that keeps your adrenaline pumping and your head banging. // 7

Impression: In an age where pure thrash is almost gone, Testament has the nerve to say, "this is thrash." Not only have they been able to make a truly brutal album, but they have also returned to their thrash roots and proven that true metal never gets old. If I were to pick three of the best songs on the album, I would say that they would be "Afterlife," heard on tour last year, "The Formation Of Damnation," and "More Than Meets The Eye." However, true metal may not get old, but at the same time the album only really stands out because of Chuck Billy and Alex Skolnick, without whom it would probably not be as incredible. In any case, at this rate I can honestly see Testament releasing more and more thrash albums. Skolnick's guitars make this album an early contender for "Metal Album of the Year", and certainly is a must have for all lovers of thrash, or even all metalheads. // 9

overall: 9

Reviewed by: Jamo888, on april 30, 2008

Sound: When Testament first formed, they quickly became known as the "little brothers" of the Big Four of Thrash (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax). Now it seems the tables have turned. While Metallica tried too many things at once, Megadeth followed suit, Slayer downtuned their guitars to create faux-heavy albums, and Anthrax basically vanished from popular culture altogether. Meanwhile, people have forgotten what an incredibly consistent band Testament is. Well, the "little brothers" have released an album that will remind their peers of who they are and where they came from, as well as boldly blazing the trail for the future. If that sounds like an overexaggeration, listen to the album yourself. The riffs are creative and engaging and the songwriting is untouchable. The solos blaze yet also leave room for melodic flair. Although Paul Bostaph has played much more complicated stuff on other releases, his drums are crisp, direct, and don't get in the way of the songs. And the songs, ladies and gentlemen, is where the album shines. They are catchy and melodic, yet not overwhelmingly so, and not in the cheesy emo-inflected ways of many new bands. The production is clean but not slick. Sure, the songs sound similar, but doesn't every song by Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, or AC/DC sound exactly alike? Then there's the energy, my god, the energy. Testament plays with more enthusiasm than bands half their age. If this album doesn't pump you up, you don't have a pulse. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics seem to go unnoticed at first, but upon closer inspection they reveal real depth. It's poetic but not poetry, and even as it name-checks 9/11, it remains in good taste. The vivid descriptions of "flames on the river" (an image which sticks in my mind even as I'm writing this review) will leave scars on your back of your retinas. Compared to the slew of recent releases which never seem to even try to have memorable lyrics ("The Crusade" is a classic example), this album shows off the hard work, dedication and experience of these veterans. As for Chuck Billy's voice, he is capable of pulling off melody while still maintaining the grit that makes his a compelling voice in the first place. // 8

Impression: In a nutshell, this album is more than the sum of it's parts. This is the album Testament has been building towards, and will be the crown jewel in their respective careers until, well until they write another album. The Formation of Damnation probably won't appeal to people outside of a core heavy metal audience, but Testament has never written albums for mainstream acceptance. They only know no compromise, and as a result they have written an album that will reaffirm your faith in humanity and make you feel alive. That alone deserves your attention. // 10

Comments

[TheAmenCorner89]

Heard some of the tracks online, and I have to say this album is awesome, wityh razor sharp riffs that bash you over the head with a furious thrash assaualt. This may just hit my top 5 this year

[jumpmanhat]

"more than meets the eye" sounds inspired by trivium, and then i was like, ohya! they admitted that...

i havnt heard the rest but no matter the outcome their earlier shit kicked ass, cant ask for much more.

[metalhead_99801]

i will definitely be purchasing this...

[DemonicShredder]

it's a must have album, the classical line-up of the band is ****in awesome.cant' stop listenin to the album, loved each track of it.fav. (more than meets the eye,killing season,henchman ride,the porsecuter wont forget) GO BUY

[ax1]

sweet album .have u guys noticed that one riff from "more than meet the eyes" sound a bit like metallicas new song "death is not the end"

[Towner_45]

hells yea this album ****in thrashes, love The Evil Has Landed fav track at the moment

[Pingis_Or_Death]

Testament is pretty awesome

[genolk]

"In the early 1990s when Metallica decided to become more "commercially accessible," Testament went in the exact opposite direction"

um... did you never hear of "the ritual"? don't get me wrong i really dig that album, but don't tell me that testament didn't try and go commercial... Eric Peterson even admitted that "return to serenity" had radio play written all over it in the the inner sleeves on the "best of testament".

that being said, after the "failure" of the ritual they did gear shift back into heavier territory with low. but from any angle, the ritual was a commercial shift.. regardless of what they have done after it



And my final words:
YEHARRR!!! TFOD kicks major bumhole!!!

[BlisteringDDj]

I can't wait to get my hands on this one!!!

[Sanitarium91]

Actually I think that back in the day Testament tried to make their own "Black Album".

[Dprat]

I just downloaded this entire album off the Real Networks. Awesome Awesome Awesome. Great album from start to finish.

[IRONMAIDENTLICA]

I. Need. This. Album.

[irish666]

if you go back through testament,s past you will find a bit of everything on this album but no ballad. thats the only thing missing from this album but over all it rocks in every department vocal,s guitars leads and drums all kick arse i just hope they come to Adelaide when they tour aus this year i would love to see them live

[SuicidalFreak]

Pingis_Or_Death wrote:

Testament is pretty awesome

Yeah, they definitely are.

[SanJose]

BlisteringDDj wrote:

I can't wait to get my hands on this one!!!

Same here!

[Shredy_Mc_shred]

I an edition of Total guiatr magazine this album got 2 out of 5 stars ??? WTF ???

[Shredy_Mc_shred]

In a edition of Total guitar magazine this album got 2 out of 5 stars ??? WTF ???

[mightmuffin]

Shredy_Mc_shred wrote:

In a edition of Total guitar magazine this album got 2 out of 5 stars ??? WTF ???

Thats cause the guys at total guitar are a bunch of wankers

[Soul-Monger]

mightmuffin wrote:

Shredy_Mc_shred wrote:

In a edition of Total guitar magazine this album got 2 out of 5 stars ??? WTF ???
Thats cause the guys at total guitar are a bunch of wankers

You have to be unbiased with reviews, and cast away your fandom.

Regardless, A 3.5-4/5 would have made sense. (Nothing ever deserves a true 5/5.)

[metal overlord]

Soul-Monger wrote:

mightmuffin wrote:

Shredy_Mc_shred wrote:

In a edition of Total guitar magazine this album got 2 out of 5 stars ??? WTF ???
Thats cause the guys at total guitar are a bunch of wankers


You have to be unbiased with reviews, and cast away your fandom.

Regardless, A 3.5-4/5 would have made sense. (Nothing ever deserves a true 5/5.)

Except this album. I never was a big Testament fan, but I started listening to them and found this. Now you can't peel me away from it. That's how good it is.

[Rick27]

The album rips shit. Buy it now.

[monty-g-3]

I NEED SOME FUCKING MONEY!!!!!

[BurningTheLives]

Amazing album. So glad they got Alex back, because that made a difference for sure.

[Reviewer Pete]

'tis a very good album, no doubt.

[Shazazmic]

Badass ****ing album. Glad I got it >:]

[ThorOfValhalla]

This albums is ****ing GODLY

[Warchest]

Dangers Of The Faithless is so ****ing catchy, love that song

[RunRiot]

This album is a masterpiece.

[BlisteringDDj]

I got this album yesterday, and the only thing that disappointed me a little was the vocals. The vocals weren't as powerful as the last albums unfortunately, but that's just my opinion. The riffs are awesome, so are the solos. The drums are just sick!

[closertofreewil]

I go this album today, I have listened to it a few times through. It's the first album I've gotten from Testament and I am extremely impressed. I've been a Metallica and Megadeth fan for a long time, since they came up, and this blows them away. I highly recommend this album to Testament fans, and metal fans alike.

My favorite tracks at the mooment are: Henchman Ride, More Than Meets The Eye, and Killing season.

Stay Metal!

[myXdefeatism]

is anyone gonna tab this damn album? shit is awesome and i can't quiet play it by ear yet.

[myXdefeatism]

is anyone gonna tab this album? this shit is awesome and i can't quite play it by ear yet.

[Grey_Testament]

okay these guys are ****ing sick, and i wish they tabbed this album like right now

[travd92]

BlisteringDDj wrote:

I can't wait to get my hands on this one!!!

that's what she said....funny, no?

but anyways, this album will go down as one of testament's best. i have not stopped listening to it since i bought it. it's wonderful. The Formation Of Damnation is one of the only CDs i can push play and listen to every song and enjoy.

[steve_a7x]

FUCKING AWESOME ALBUM I LOVE IT!

[Some_Bad_JOKE]

I've been looking for this album but I couldn't find it anywhere! From what I'm hearing (and the samples that I heard on myspace) it far surpasses The Gathering, which I thought kicked major ass.

I MUST HAVE IT!! GARR!!!

[boyan89]

excellent album.

[guitarfreak222]

woah how did this album get a 9??? it should get a 11!

[BurningTheLives]

This has to be one of my favorite albums this year. I can't stop listening to it...ever.

[guitarfreak222]

LOVE THIS ALBUM!!! i love it so much1!!! pure thrash!