The Formation of Damnation

The Formation of Damnation is a moving comeback on which Testament again strongly bound tense riffs, precise rhythm and Chuck Billy’s powerful singing. The original member Alex Skolnick returned to the band after very long years, and it became a record on which the old golden lineup reunited. The guitar, while precisely layering fine developments, always functions as a powerful hook pushing the songs forward. A long-awaited studio work after about nine years. From the opener “For the Glory of...” and the powerful “More Than Meets the Eye” to the aggression of “The Evil Has Landed” and the title track “The Formation of Damnation,” every song is engaging, while cuts like “Henchmen Ride” and “Dangers of the Faithless” convey the work’s fullness. Thrash’s speed and mid-tempo’s sure weight line up in good balance, and the playing’s outstanding precision further heightens the songs’ aggression. A record that, while firmly keeping the band’s native brilliant tradition, powerfully showed its vigor with modern, overwhelming power. Skolnick’s return was a truly long-awaited event for fans. A moving, engaging masterpiece announcing Testament’s splendid revival and the start of the fulfilling period that followed — a record announcing the band’s full revival.