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Testament: The Gathering

This 1999 addition to the Testament discography is one of the strongest of their post 80's material. The Gathering features none other than Slayer's Dave Lombardo on the drum kit, who filled in for a short time to help the band out, bassist Steve DGiorgio (ex-Death/Iced Earth, current Sadus) as well as super shred monster James Murphy (ex-Death) on guitars. If that's not reason enough to elevate this album to the top of the Testament thrash classics, then songs like "True Believer", with its catchy chorus and brutal riffs, or the galloping stomp of "Careful What You Wish For", certainly will. Lead singer Chuck Billy is in fine form here, spewing out plenty of angry shouts and screams, and longtime guitarist Eric Peterson lays down the monster riffage and the occasional solo like the true pro he is. The album never lets up, with other highlights being "Down For Life", "Legions of the Dead", "Riding the Snake", and the almost White Zombie-ish "Allegiance". The Gathering is truly a "testament" to the skills of this long standing Bay Area thrash ensemble.


Track Listing
1. D.N.R. (Do Not Resuscitate)
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 Sipledome

Added: August 3rd 2006
Reviewer: Pete Pardo
Score:
Related Link: Testament Website
Hits: 3983
Language: english

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» Reader Comments:

Testament: The Gathering
Posted by Hugh Dark on 2007-01-02 17:50:14
My Score:

In terms of songwriting, this one might be Testament's best offerings. Eric Peterson developed an interest in death metal and this surely helped their music evolve. This is the next logical step for them and Slayer might want to think about doing the same. What is surprising is that despite the all-star lineup there is really no shredding of any kind and this music could have been pulled off by anyone of average stature. According to Eric Peterson, Dave Lombardo had to be pushed to play what he did as he was only playing basic patterns for the tunes originally. This indicates some musical disinterest and he may have been out of practice. In terms of guitar--there are only a couple of solos and they certainly are not shredding in any way. The band seems to be upholding the post-grunge ethos of no virtuosity allowed. For shame!!!! Anyway, the vocals are a welcome change. Remeber when they when they were packing his voice with tons of reverb on Practice What You Preach. No more of that crap on this. People--Do not buy this if you think you are going to be blown away by some shredding. Won't happen!! Purchase this if you want to hear the band in one of their most aggressive outings ever.




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