Testament is a band that requires no introduction, being engraved in Bay Area thrash folklore in the 80’s. The band returned from oblivion to blow everyone away with “Formation of damnation” a few years back. “Dark roots of earth” continues in a similar vein.
The relentless riffing is akin to their earlier work, although similarities can be found with Megadeth’s “Rust in Peace” or Slayer’s mid-80’s work. The guitar solos are ripping, with Alex Scholnick showing what he’s truly capable of. “Cold embrace” slows proceedings down briefly, before ripping it up again – this is as close to a ballad as the band will get.
Testament delivers an album that is as relentless as ever, underlining that they’re still juvenile at heart and will show any youngster a thing or two. My only gripe is that some of the drumming may come across as being too busy (“True American Hate”), overloading the listener.
If you enjoyed the Bay Area thrash era, you won’t go wrong with this.
****1/2
Nick van der Meulen
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,
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David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. This “Best of 2025 reviewer choices” show was first broadcast on 21 December 2025.
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Power Plays w/c 12 January 2026
THE DEADMANS Nice Kid (indie)
THE 69 EYES I Survive (BLKIIBLK)
MAGIC WANDS Sacred Mirrors (Metropolis Records)
KATHARINE PRIDDY Hurricane (indie)
AVALON STONE Mirage (indie)
CODE:WORDS Limerence (The Artery Foundation)
ROBBEN FORD Make My Own Weather (Mascot)
Featured Albums w/c 12 January 2026
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)
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