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Album Reviews : Testament – Brotherhood of the Snake

By on January 11, 2017

testament_-_the_brotherhood_of_the_snake_2016Ever since Dark Roots of Earth came out in 2012, fans of thrash metal giants Testament have been keenly awaiting another new album. That moment finally came late in 2016. It also marked bassist Steve DiGiorgio’s first appearance with the band since 2001’s compilation album First Strike Still Deadly.

Brotherhood of the Snake (the band’s eleventh album) starts with the title track and lead single for the album. Brotherhood of the Snake (the song) is a full on thrash metal party. Full of soaring guitar riffs (courtesy of Alex Skolnick and Eric Peterson), banging drums (thanks to Gene Hoglan) and powerful vocals (cheers Chuck Billy!), it starts the album off brilliantly.

In fact, this continues throughout the whole record. Brotherhood of the Snake really doesn’t lift its foot off the pedal for an instant. Once you click play you’re in for one hell of a forty-five minute, ten song ride.

I’m going to be honest here for a second: I’ve never listened to Testament before (I know, I know. It’s shocking) and I regret missing out now for so long after listening to this album. I now plan on going back and listening to the band’s entire back catalogue because boy oh boy I have been missing out!

From The Pale King, which features some absolute killer guitar work, to the final track The Number Game (a track which will have you head-banging wherever you are located), this album shows that, despite being in their forties and fifties, Testament are still absolutely on top of their game and I keenly await what album number twelve will bring.

Band: Testament
Album: Brotherhood of the Snake
Year: 2016
Genre: Thrash Metal
Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Origin: USA

About

Matt Barton loves all things rock and metal. Everyone from Slipknot to The Living End. He enjoys going to gigs and discovering new music. Matt also writes for Heavy Mag and is currently attempting to write his debut novel.