Rock In Review

Testament - Demonic
Prosthetic Records

* * * * 1/2
4 1/2 Stars

One word can describe Testament’s album Demonic, demonic! This album has a straight up evil sound because it was written using Testament’s natural Thrash sound mixed with influences from old school Death metal and some Black metal, which translated right into their next release, The Gathering. Overall, Demonic truly captures the influences these other Metal style had on the band through Chuck Billy’s Death metal-like growls, Eric Peterson’s guitar progressions, Derrick Ramirez’s bass lines, and Gene Hoglan’s drum parts. Eric Peterson did record both the lead and rhythm guitar parts for the album, but guitarist Glen Alvelais did make a guest appearance and also played during the subsequent tour following the release of the album. Overall, I believe this album was really a much needed “speed bump” in the path of the fast paced Testament. It definitely has its share of quick guitar riffs and double bass, but the overall feel of the album is a bit slower and heavier than most of Testament’s other material. The added Death metal groove really emphasizes the heaviness of the guitar riffs and drum parts. As far as the actual tracks go, I’d have to say my favorites are “Demonic Refusal” (track 1), “Jun-Jun” (track 4), “John Doe” (track 5), and “Hatreds Rise” (track 7). Really, any of the tracks that stuck out to me are high on the list for overall quality and material. None of the tracks on the alum are any more important that the next, but the four I mentioned above are some I prefer to listen to when I stick the album into my CD player. All in all, Demonic is a very influential album to fans of Thrash and Death metal and should be a part of every metalhead’s arsenal!

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