Para Bellum [3CD+Blu-ray]

This is Testament's 14th studio album and the first with new drummer Chris Dovas, who has breathed his youthful exuberance into the band. A band that issued their first album in 1987, to be still making albums as strong as this one, is a delight to behold. So what does this record bring to the band for long time listeners and fans who maybe checking them out for the first time? Something new, with the chaotic and frantic drums from someone half the band's core age, that familiar yet distinct Testament sound that evolves from full on thrash, to death, to some hard rock riffs, throw in a some black metal blast beats for good measure. But it's the songs that are melodic are they are sometime brutal, singer Chuck Billy delivers quite a broad vocals range and mix's that up with a number of different styles. Eleven killer songs, that includes the ballad, 'Meant To Be' which starts off as a nice acoustic piece, then develops into an almost progressive rampage jamming into 7.5 minute epic and defiantly a highlight of the album and also a welcome break from the onslaught of this very heavy album. Not a dud to be found here, this veteran band are getting stronger as they get older, this is easily top three in their entire discography. The Japan only release features full live performances of the band's first two albums (The Legacy and The New Order) both on seperate audio discs and on blu-ray. Both perfoamnces are of the highest standard.