The Demonic Seasons
Middle of
the nineties was a very hard time for Testament. After changing the label,
after some musicians departures (Murphy, Tempesta, Dette, Christian, Kontos),
after some ideas to create another band (called Dog Faced Dogs), Billy and
Peterson, two main persons in the band, overcame the difficulties luckily and
created seventh album in Testament career. As a diehard thrash supporter of
this band I was very curious all the situation with the band, my worship to the
first albums was (and is) unlimited, so I decided to give them a chance without
any problems. And just like in the case of previous album “Low”, the same was
with the first seconds of “Demonic”. However my shock and astonishment were
much bigger. And nothing has changed
till nowadays.
So, let’s
leave the worst front cover in Testament life, and let’s dive into the opening
song “Demonic Refusal” ... yes, it takes me to completely different metal land.
After several seconds of sinister introduction, the band Testament shows his new
face. How does it look like? The song is very heavy, strong yet slow and
monumental with rather simple groups of riffs and lack of traditional solo
leads. Simply: I can’t write that Testament plays pure thrash metal! But can I
write ‘an act of bravery’ in this case? I’ll try to answer later. The next
element: Billy doesn’t use his clean vocals, only growls. And this is almost
(because “Murky Waters” song is faster) complete synopsis of the album. Of
course I find here also clean vocals which are really great here, as well as
successful guitar leads. The best example is “Together as One”, the third song,
where Billy uses both vocals. In turn “Jun-Jun” has great riffs with very
interesting solos, just like preceding song. The next “John Doe” is probably
the best song on “Demonic”: with only clean vocals and cool chorus. Although it
is maintained in the album vein, there is something enticing in it. After three
exciting quick minutes “John Doe” gives a place “Murky Waters”. Aforementioned
song is the fastest, brutal and full of ravager growls. This song has also
three minutes (of pure devastation I must admit) and “Hatreds Rise” enters the
stage. In one word, this is killer: amazing riffs, many tempo changes and
superb solo leads (especially the second one kills!). And maybe next three
songs don’t keep this superb level of “Hatreds Rise”, I think they are just
good songs. Good songs for “Demonic” of course… Unfortunately my overall
impression is disturbed by the last “Nostrovia”, one and a half minute outro
that completely doesn’t fit here. It is much better to finish the album after
“Ten Thousand Thrones”.
That’s true
that “Demonic” is very controversial album, leaving the world of pure thrash
and showing to the fans a deep bow to the modern sounds of death metal can be
read as a real betrayal. And I can understand such persons, but… I can see
another good aspect of this album as well. Comparing to the other thrash bands,
Testament is the only one which encouraged to record so heavy and almost death album
(and this is ‘bravery’ I mentioned just above …). Although I consider their two
first albums as a base of thrash and metal music in general, I find here many
memorable moments (especially “John Doe” and “Hatreds Rise” songs). “Demonic”
defends staunchly its metal walls, although many years passed. It still spits
the metal venom, their mix of death and thrash causes severe injuries of the
senses. In spite of lack of speedy tunes (with one exception), Billy and
company show a real brutality with demoniacal and monumental atmosphere. Vocals
again on top notch level, but this is not a surprise. Even we can forget about
many guitar leads, Peterson played some really good riffs. So, what can I advise
to the other listeners? Nothing, but who really cares??? “Demonic” is
completely different album when I compare even to “Low”, it is a good omen or
introduction for the next ripper from the band. “The Legacy” golden times are
gone, that’s obvious, but Billy and Peterson show swinging steps to cross over
the hard reality. And I am with them.
88/100
-Tlacaxipehualiztli
(previously written for Encyclopaedia Metallum, on August, 2012, now modified a bit)
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