Formation of Damnation

Nine long years since their last studio album of new material (1999's THE GATHERING), Testament returned with a brutally melodic set fittingly titled THE FORMATION OF DAMNATION. Vocalist Chuck Billy's winning battle with cancer inspired most of the group's original lineup to reconvene, with the exception of the ever-changing drum throne occupied here by former Forbidden/Slayer member Paul Bostaph. Lyrically, the Bay Area thrash legends are well-known for tackling social and political fare. For DAMNATION, principal co-writers Billy and guitarist Eric Peterson deliver commentaries on 9/11 ("The Evil Has Landed"), government corruption ("The Formation Of Damnation"), and spirituality ("Afterlife"). Polished by metal's go-to engineer Andy Sneap, DAMNATION is arguably the best sounding Testament release since 1994's LOW.