Testament – The Formation of Damnation
Nuclear Blast Records

(4.5/5)

The gods of Thrash are back and have struck again! Having been under the name Testament for 21 years (minus a few hiatus years), Chuck Billy and Eric Peterson have once again teamed up with most of the rest of the original members to put out their first new album since 1999’s The Gathering. Even though Testament hasn’t put out an album in almost 10 years, The Formation of Damnation was certainly worth the wait! With pounding drums being provided by Paul Bostaph (1993, 2007-present), heavy shredding guitars provided by Eric Peterson and Alex Skolnick (1986-1993, 2001-present), thundering bass line provided by Greg Christian (1986-1993, 2003-present), and some of the sickest vocals to hit the Thrash scene provided by none other than Chuck Billy. Of the 11 tracks on the album, the two I would recommend most are “The Evil Has Landed” (Track 3) and “The Formation of Damnation” (Track 4/Title track). “The Evil Has Landed” stuck out to me for its lyrical content. Basically, the whole song is about the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. This song really just portrays that day and really hits you in a different way because of what happened. “The Formation of Damnation” sticks out to me more along the musical lines rather than the lyrical lines. The overall song is heavy and showcases some of Testament’s great talents (plus, the breakdown is awesome). Overall, the whole album is definitely one that will go down in the musical history books as another great piece of Thrash metal!

Keep of Kalessin – Kolossus
Nuclear Blast Records

(4/5)

Keep of Kalessin has struck again from the land of Black metal! Coming forth from Norway with their fourth full length album entitled Kolossus, KoK is continuing to show the world why Norway is known as the land of Black metal. Incorporating some more Progressive and Electronic elements into their sound, KoK has successfully put out an album that helps show the world that not EVERY Black metal band sounds the same. One prominent element that separates this band from other is the vocal style of Thebon. Rather than using a more high pitched scream most of the time, he uses more of a yelling technique. Another aspect of KoK I like IS the Progressive features they implement. With the collaboration of the Black metal style and Progressive music style utilized by Obsidian Claw (guitars and synth), Wizziac (bass), and Vyl (drums) and Thebon’s vicious vocals, all 9 tracks on Kolossus seem to really pack a punch. On top of that, they seem to flow through time effortlessly, creating a great album to listen to. Honestly, with the way they fit so well together, I really can’t find a favorite track. Each one seems to just be an extension of what has come before it. As far as the overall album goes, I definitely recommend Kolossus to any Black metal fans and anyone looking to get into Black metal!