TESTAMENT
Dark Roots Of Earth
It's 2012 and Testament have comeback with their 10th album, and what an album it is. Full of lightening fast riffs and solid vocals on 9 brilliant tracks.
Instrumentally, this album is flawless. Drums are fast and brutal, guitars hit hard and heavy when they need to, but still give plenty of amazing solos and classic Thrash riffs. The vocals are the really treat on album number 10. Distinct and refreshing at the same time, Chuck's singing has largely moved on from the style we heard on The Gathering or Demonic. That said there are definitely hints of the Death Metal style that worked its way into Testaments music.
To give a better idea of the how the album comes together here's a track by track guide to the album and an individual song score out of 5.
1: Rise Up
4/5
-The first track of the album is a brilliant start and paints a fair picture of the amazing tracks yet the come. Sounding like an anthem and revealing itself to be a anti government protest and an amazing piece of Thrash Metal at the same time, this track is one that stands out above the rest. Serious and heavy lyrics perfectly mastered by Chuck's vocals resulting in a track that will force you to punch your horns into the air.
2:Native Blood
5/5
-Exploding with speedy riffs and driving drums, there's no doubt that this song is one to be hitting the reply button too. Lyrics inspired by Chuck's own native blood, this track is one for the resistance. This track is one of the fastest on the album and without a doubt one of the best.
3:Dark Roots Of Earth
5/5
-As the title track we expect something quiet special, and this album doesn't fail to deliver. Amazing instrumentals, fast solos and catchy choruses this song is definitely something special.
4:True American Hate
4/5
-The most aggressive song on the album by far and in parts the Death Metal injection in clearly detectable. As you would expect from any metal band, the lightening solos come thick and fast and this track is no different.
5:A Day In The Death
4/5
-Another anti government track full of all you expect from Testament by this point in the album. Not the best track on the album but with tracks as good as these its hard to pick one shinning star.
6: Cold Embrace
5/5
-A change in style from the first 5 tracks of this album, this song in an amazing piece of work. Slower and at a completely different pace from the rest of the album, but still the longest track. A melodic and clear song amongst a collection of such raw metal numbers proves to be a refreshing break.
7:Man Kills Mankind
5/5
-Ready to get you back up on your feet after catching your breath, this track is fast and with some seriously catchy choruses. All the vital components of a good metal song are present here and in the perfect order to be one of the best tracks of the album.
8:Throne Of Thorns
4/5
-Clocking up at just over 7 minuets this is a lengthily song with lots of twists and turns, this track is Testaments answer to Megadeth's Prince Of Darkness and just as good. Telling the story of power hungry overlord, this is another strong track.
9:Last Stand For Independence
5/5
-Lightening fast this last track packs a serious punch. All instruments are clearly being worked extra hard for the closing song, which definitely pays off. This song is a brilliant way to round of an amazing album that is most worthy of a purchase.
OVER ALL ALBUM RATING: 9/10
That concludes this amazing album, unless your wallet is deep enough the get you the special edition copy that contains and extended version of Throne Of Thorns, a cover of Iron Maidens Powerslave, a cover of Queen's dragon Attack and a cover of Scorpions Animal Magnetism.
Other Testament albums to listen to:
-The Legacy
-The New Order
-The Gathering
Credits to:
-Testament for making such an amazing album.
-Nuclear Blast records for releasing this musical gem (as well and hundreds of others).
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