With Testament releasing
albums at consistent four-year internals since 2008’s The Formation of
Damnation (On election years too, no less), it’s only natural for them to stick
with a reliable thrash style. Their twelfth full-length doesn’t deviate too far
from that formula, riding on the defining core of Eric Peterson’s chunky guitar
work and Chuck Billy’s gruff versatility. But at the same time, Titans of
Creation manages to put in its share of distinct quirks.
Coming off the direct
pummeling on Brotherhood of the Snake, this album feels closer to Dark Roots of Earth with its broader influences at play. Lead guitarist Alex Skolnick and
bassist Steve DiGiorgio have heightened presences this time around, most
notably contributing the angularly intricate rhythms of “Symptoms” and “Code of
Hammurabi” and the Eastern tinges on “Ishtar’s Gate.” “Night of the Witch” and “Curse
of Osiris” also see the band experimenting with black metal influences complete
with more extreme drumming and Peterson’s supplementary shrieks, instantly
triggering Dragonlord associations.
But with these
factors in mind, the songwriting doesn’t quite stick the landing. “Dream Deceiver”
and “City of Angels” come out strong thanks to their memorable choruses and
more melodic touch, but neither quite reaches the height of a true staple. The
album’s near hour runtime doesn’t help either; there aren’t any bad tracks on
here but a song or two like “The Healers” could’ve been cut without too much
trouble.
The inclusion and
placement of “Catacombs” as an outro is another minor but very noticeable
nitpick. It definitely should’ve been the album’s intro as its swelling
symphonics build up to something that isn’t actually there. It also doesn’t
help that the guitar chugs are nearly identical to those on “Legions (In
Hiding).” When I listened to this album for the first time, I thought that I
had somehow switched over to Low by mistake.
For better and
for worse, Titans of Creation is another serviceable Testament album. It offers
the tropes that fans have come to love with a few extra spices but seems to be
holding back in certain regards. The hooks aren’t as effective as the 80s albums
and the incorporation of extreme influences isn’t as innovative as it’d been in
the 90s. Those who’ve appreciated the other albums of Testament’s comeback era
should enjoy this one just as much, but I admit that Dark Roots of Earth is
starting to feel like a fluke.
Highlights:
“Dream Deceiver”
“City of Angels”
“Gates of
Ishtar”
“Curse of Osiris”
“Curse of Osiris”
Final Grade: C
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