Honorable Mention: Testament – The Formation Of Damnation (2008)
Following 1992’s The Ritual, Testament went through its fair share of lineup changes, with singer Chuck Billy and guitarist Eric Peterson the only consistent members. While struggling to maintain a stable lineup, the group also struggle to pinpoint their sound, going back and forth between their classic thrash roots and death metal (best heard on 1997’s Demonic). And on top of that Billy’s 2001 cancer scare, and it’s fair to say that Testament went through a hard couple of years. But in 2005, Testament reunited with its “classic lineup” (including guitarist Alex Skolnick and bassist Greg Christian). And in 2008, Testament released their first album in almost ten years The Formation Of Damnation. Returning to their classic thrash sound, The Formation Of Damnation won high praise from both new and old fans, and debuted in the top 60. While they continue to have trouble finding a permanent drummer (currently filling the role is the machine himself, Gene Hoglan), the album gave Testament a new and needed shot of life.
Favorite Track: “Killing Season”
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkTXoeunLWc[/youtube]
