The Gathering is the latest release from Heavy Metal Legends Testament. For several years now, Testament has filled the void left when bands like Metallica decided to go mainstream and on this release, Testament stays very much true to the dark, heavy sound which has made them so successful in the past.

Led by founding member Chuck Billy's raunchy growling vocals and Eric Peterson's Axe-Mastery, this album rocks with a mysteriously evil passion that will have any Metalhead pumping fists and headbanging. What makes this CD even more special is the new and improved line-up of stellar Metal veterans. The band is joined by Axe-Master and shredder James Murphy (Death, Obituary and Testament) who rips some serious solos, bassist Steve DiGiorgio (Death, Sadus), and former Slayer skin-basher Dave Lombardo.

As you all know, Lombardo is the man, and his thunderous drumming is ever present in songs such as the Kick-Ass opener "D.N.R. (Do Not Resuscitate)," "Eyes of Wrath," and the awesome "True Believer" (MetalGod's Pick). This band really jams - check out the ending to "3 Days In The Darkness" where there's some serious drum-bashing and axe-shredding. This is a very solid album filled with soon to be metal classics such as "Legions Of The Dead" which features Billy's deepest "I just Gargled with Glass" vocals and James Murphy's rippin' solos. This is classic Testament, full of fire, and great inventive lyrics (like Chuck Billy mischievously says "This is the album where everyone dies") and some excellent powerful Metal grooves.

The production, which was handled by Eric Peterson and Chuck Billy is great. The drums sound great!!! This album rocks from beginning to end, other highlights are the mellower (HA!!) "Riding The Snake" and the closer "Fall Of Sipledome", what a great solo. If you're like me, you're always up for some much needed Fast-paced, Fist-pumping, Ass-Kicking True Metal, well, Testament delivers! Pick it up!!

Reviewed by MetalGod

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