This is one of Testament’s heaviest records. Recorded in ’97, when the whole Pantera thing was in full swing, and the sound reflects that. Even Chuck Billy’s vocals are full on growl. The only two original members are Billy himself, and Eric Peterson on guitars – plus they are joined by the amazing Gene Hoglan on drums.
Demonic is a very apt title for this record. From the very first note as the needle drops, it sounds pure evil. If you were a fan of the band around The Legacy and The New Order, then this sounds like a totally different band. Killer monster riffs and heavy grooves are high on the menu, and with Hoglan in the band, anything is possible. I do miss hearing the finesses of Alex Skolnick though. I think he is a great player and added that little something to the band.
The Demonic Refusal and The Burning Times are seriously heavy tracks, and they are a killer opening to proceedings. My favourites on the record are Jun Jun, which has an awesome groove and riff and is a tad different to the rest of the album, John Doe is another stand out track for me and the beginning is epic with massive chugga riffage. In fact nearly the whole of Side 2 is just so crushingly heavy that I like the whole Side. Special mention goes to the last track, Nostrovia, which has nods to old school thrash with a more intense drum groove – and the breakdowns are killer. Nuclear Blast have done a good job of these reissues and they sound great. A great addition to any metal fans collection.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
