Origin: USA
Year: 2025
Subgenre: Thrash Metal, Death Metal
Rating: 83.7 An Excellent Piece of Work !
The Players:
Chuck Billy Vocals
Alex Skolnick Guitar
Eric Peterson Guitar, Vocals
Steve Di Giorgio Bass
Chris Dovas Drums
Para Bellum is breathtaking thrash metal; Testament sounds as heavy and fresh as ever. This is one of the heaviest albums I've heard in awhile. While no fan of "death" vocals, Eric Peterson and Chuck Billy's guttural screams absolutely fit the music perfectly. Musically, the guitars, riffs, and frenetic rhythm section just kill. Production-wise, Chuck Billy and Eric Peterson pulled off a masterful job in creating one of 2025's heaviest albums. Of course, Alex Skolnick's guitar playing is top-notch......truly a master at his craft. New skinsman Chris Dovas also demonstrates high competence in his blastbeats and percussion.
Ultra-heavy For The Love Of Pain starts the record out, with an infectious riff and Eric Peterson's blackest vocals. It hits you squarely in the face! Infanticide A.I. is a complex thrasher, while Shadow People is slightly slower but still heavy as a load of bricks. What an infectious riff ! Chuck Billy sounds great on both of these standout tracks. The acoustic / orchestral / dynamic Meant To Be is a surprising change of pace, portraying a different side to the band; Chuck Billy proves that he can sing with the best of them on this track ! High Noon returns us to the wall-to-wall hardcore headbanging, while Witch Hunt pummels all into submission. Nature Of The Beast is next, and awesome may be too light of a word. The riff is incredible, while Chuck's vocals settle down, while showing his prowess as a singer. Room 117 and Havana Syndrome continue to bang along with impressive riffs and intricacy. Do I hear some Maidenesque guitar melodies? Para Bellum closes the album in high style; the vocals are again pretty harsh, but the instrumentation and structure is exceptional, especially with regards to Alex Skolnick's incredible soloing.
The band continues to show its depth on this latest album, churning out not just great thrash, but excellent music. I have to again tout the production; it is crisp, perfectly balanced, and incredibly heavy. The riffs and chord structures are intricate and complex, proving that Testament is a cut above the competition in the thrash world. Although this is the first release in five years, the band is on fire !
For The Love Of Pain 82
Infanticide A.I. 85
Shadow People 90
Meant To Be 88
High Noon 78
Witch Hunt 75
Nature Of The Beast 91
Room 117 85
Havana Syndrome 85
Para Bellum 78
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