Testament // Para Bellum // Album Review

Forty-odd years and thirteen albums deep, you would forgive Testament if they decided to ride off into the sunset, but no, they are back with album number fourteen,” Para Bellum”, and are showing no signs of slowing down; if anything, it’s the opposite.

The album consists of ten tracks that showcase Testament’s enduring power and musicianship, which has endeared them to so many for so long. The blistering “For The Love Of Pain” opens the album and is a statement of intent, leaving you in no doubt as to what lies ahead, new drummer Chirs Dovas fits in seamlessly and his drumming is next level as he lays a brutal beat that has both Peterson and Skolnick dropping savage riffs that match his pace, Chuck is Chuck letting rip as only he can switching it up vocally. At the same time, Di Giorgio’s bass line is massive; what more can you ask for in an opener?

Lead single “Infanticide A.I.” opens in typical Testament fashion of wailing guitars before a pummeling drum beat takes over and drives the track, this one is a million miles an hour, Chuck spits out lyrics with snarl, dropping some guttural roars for good measure, the twin attack of Skolnick and Peterson is class with sharp riffs and a ripper solo, another instant Testament classic. “Shadow People” is a little slower but with a really heavy rhythm thanks to Dovas’ excellent drumming and Di Giorgio’s booming bass, and a nice little bass ditty midway through, Chuck keeps it mainly on the harsh side of clean, throwing in some unsettling spoken word vocals for good measure, the crunching riffs give the track and extra punch, this is a great mid paced headbanger that will be immense live. The epic “Meant To Be” is the first ballad the band have done in over thirty years, “Return To Serenity” from “The Ritual” in 92 was the last, it is a nice departure from the norm and also give you a chance to revel in the sheer brilliance of Peterson and Skolnick’s guitar work, Chuck ability to temper his vocals for this kind of track, the orchestral arrangement is a nice touch as is the crescendo ending with everything coming together as the drums and bass kick in to give a rousing finish. “High Noon” kicks it up with a banger that has a killer groove, fast and in your face, with a savage drum and bass combo that leaves you feeling punch drunk. The riffs are manic, as is the solo, while Chuck growls his way through this one. You can’t help but love this.

The drum opening to “Witch Hunt” lets you know you’re in for a hell of a ride. The guitars jump on the back of this, and combined, they proceed to melt your face as Chuck goes death style for this one with Di Giorgio’s monster bass line rumbling in the background. This is an absolute banger. “Nature Of The Beast” is another cool groover. Chuck goes easy vocally here for a change, the guitars are more melodic, and Di Giorgio’s slapped bass is killer, all of which is built on Dovas’ kicking drum beat, the real backbone of this track, one of the best on the album. The drum and bass combination on “Room 117” is phenomenal as it drives the track with its incessant rhythm. Peterson and Skolnick, not to be outdone, drop some mega riffs, and Skolnick’s solo is off the chain. This is a grower; it takes a few listens to get the full impact of it. A monster track. “Havana Syndrome” is a throwback to some of Testament’s earlier stuff with its kicking rhythm and savage riffage, the mix of old and new Testament is killer, in particular Di Giorgio’s bass will leave you drooling as it hammers away goodo in the background adding to the galloping pace of the track, a nice way to ramp things up before the finale. Closer and title track “Para Bellum” is as good as anything Testament have done over the last forty years, its jam packed with brutal riffs, the drumming from Dovas is off the hook, Di Giorgio seems to have kept his best till last and pounds the ever living hell out of his bass and manages to keep pace with the frenetic drumming, Chuck’s vocals are class and he switches it up as required with ease, the track is fast as hell with a cool groovy riff towards the end and has a great solo hidden underneath Chuck’s spoken vocals that lead to a gently strummed guitar outro, a great track to close out the album.

The Titans of Thrash metal have done it again, a masterclass in how to put out cracking material consistently. “Para Bellum” is out on the 10th of October via Nuclear Blast Records.

Review: Conor

Para Bellum Tracklisting 1. For the Love of Pain 2. Infanticide A.I. 3. Shadow People 4. Meant to Be 5. High Noon 6. Witch Hunt 7. Nature of the Beast 8. Room 117 9. Havana Syndrome 10. Para Bellum

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