Album Review No.2

Testament Dark Roots of the Earth Album review

My jaw drops and my head bangs as soon as I hit the play button. Did we really expect anything less for the tenth album from American thrash metallers Testament? They’re one of the bands that make me wish I was about in the 80’s to enjoy. But here we are in 2013 enjoying an album that seems to be sprung straight out of the decade of Def Leppard, drainpipes and old school thrash. With a ‘special guest’ slot booked for Bloodstock festival this year, Testament are out to prove that they are not going anywhere soon. Phew.

This album is gloriously dark and angry, with themes on death and war that are poignant throughout. Sitting down and doing my usual ritual of listening to an album in it’s entirety, I can honestly say I enjoyed every track on the record. It has all the elements that a good thrash album needs. Face melting solos, extreme drum fills, grumbling bass lines and powerful vocals from an amazing front-man.

Firstly the opening track of the album lets us know straight away that this Testament and you’re in for one hell of a ride. It’s delicious speedy with catchy gang vocals, ‘When I say rise up, you say war! RISE UP, WAR!’ etc. The title track slows things down a little, but it’s a stomping song that really reminds you of their back catalogue.

From the outside, Dark Roots of the Earth may look like a relatively small album, but all nine tacks combine together to create one giant masterpiece.  It’s good to hear they’re still throwing out massive hits like in the good old days