TRACKLISTING

 

1.-DNR
2.-Down For Life
3.-Eyes Of Wrath
4.-True Believer
5.-3 Days In Darkness
6.-Legions Of The Dead
7.-Careful What You Wish For
8.-Riding The Snake
9.-Allegiance
10.-Sewn Shut Eyes
11.-Fall Of Siple Dome

  

   Some time ago, this CD fell in my hands without ever hearing Testament before in my life. I heard it with mouth-gaping awe. Not only because of their power but because of their quality. Solid thrashy riffage, awesome drumming and a voice sounding like James Hetfield if he had testicles, of course. I have recently heard some of the material from "The New Order" and from what I hear the voice has always sounded like Metallica's front man, but now Testament's vocalist shouts are streaked with a deeper growl. Comparing it with the poor production in The New Order, the one in The Gathering is excellent, every goddamn instrument sounding clear as hell. The riffs aren't as fast as in other thrash bands, like The Haunted, but they are solidly built, with a overwhelming sound that doesn't weaken in any track. They use sporadic solos, without abusing of them (I have heard that the original guitarist left the band, but the new guy seemed to fit perfectly) The bass, without being the best I've ever heard, is good enough, with some interludes of its own. The drumming is thick, good example for metal bands today.

  

   "DNR" opens the album, A brutal track, it will get you shouting the choruses along the singer. The rest of it mantains the level, an old fashioned thrash band with enough motivation to innovate their sound. Outstanding tracks are: the opener itself, "DNR", "Eyes Of Wrath" or "Careful What You Wish For" but in fact they are all good. Even the ones that start as "soft" tracks evolve to violent parts, like "True Believer" or "Down For Life". As a closer comes "Fall Of Siple Dome". Excellent track with a notably heavy riff. The album is neither too short nor too long, making it an interesting listening, aided by the multi-varied song structure.

  

   Every opend-minded, old-days lover metalhead will enjoy the album. And it is indeed refreshening to hear something as solid as this after seeing all those seudo-metal bands.

 

91 OUT OF 100