Album Review: Testament - Titans Of Creation

As the debate continues over whether thrash metal's 'Big Four' should be expanded to include the likes of Testament, the Bay Area veterans maintain a heads down ethos that's sustained them well during a 35+ year run.

During recent times, Testament have managed the trick of balancing the old school vibe that initially brought them to the dance with a more modern sheen, including punchy, crushing production. This is aided by the melodic sensibility, intricate guitar work and progressive-tinged edge that experience affords. Aggressive, yet hook-laden opener Children Of The Next Level sets the tone nicely. Catchy WW III ensures a sizeable one-two punch; nuclear war and the apocalypse have been a thrash staple for decades.

Perhaps a song or two could have been culled to maximise impact, but there's enough contrast – heavy and melodic, light and dark – to maintain attention. City Of Angels injects a slow, moody tempo and creeping sludginess that welcomingly breaks up matters. Meanwhile, the group still proves capable of upping the ante in the heaviness stakes. Night Of The Witch features guitarist Eric Peterson's almost black metal-esque vocals as a welcome foil for vocalist Chuck Billy's distinctive tones. Standout Curse Of Osiris also makes a late play for stealing the show; its thrash/death attack recalling the group's brutal Demonic era.

Titans Of Creation isn't consistently killer enough to achieve classic status alongside their earlier albums The New Order and Practice What You Preach. But devotees can ease up on their copies of those records for a while, because this LP is worthy of attention.