Testament welcomes back Gene Hoglan on the latest album, Dark Roots of Earth.
Review by Russell Eldridge
Testament welcomes back Gene Hoglan on the latest album, Dark Roots of Earth. It wasn’t that long ago that Hoglan played double duty while on tour with Anthrax and Testament, when Charlie Benante needed to be with his family. This isn’t Hoglan’s first record with Testament. He was also on the Demonic album in 1997. Testament fans will no doubt be excited to hear the Atomic Clock play with them once again.
An album from Testament must contain the following things: the guitars must contain the classic Testament gallop, which have influenced countless of modern metal bands. Technically, sound drum work on every track. Jaw dropping solos that send inspiring guitarist back to the woodshed to stretch their tendons and one of a kind vocals from Chuck Billy. Dark Roots of Earth contains all of that and more.
The song “Rise Up” will surely be a crowd favorite due to a chorus made for audience participation.
A neck-breaking chorus in “Native Blood” is bound to cause chaos in the pit.
The title track for Dark Roots of Earth brings the tempo down, allowing listeners to catch their breath, but still bang their heads.
“Cold Embrace” has the feel of earlier Testament tracks like “The Ballad,” “The Legacy” and “Return to Serenity.”
The deluxe digipak includes a cover “Dragon Attack” by Queen, “Animal Magnetism” by Scorpions, “Powerslave” by Iron Maiden and an extended version of “Throne of Thorns” including a DVD complete with an in-depth documentary.
You can find them online at http://www.testamentlegions.com
