Album Review: Testament - Titans of Creation

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”

Final Grade: C

Album Review: Freeways - True Bearings

Following up 2017’s Cold Front EP, Freeways’ first full-length album is an enjoyable drive through the best of 70s melodic rock. While the band never goes full AOR, there’s a certain shine to the material that recalls a mix of Thin Lizzy and Boston with sprinklings of Fly by Night-era Rush. There’s also a brazen feel-good attitude that reminds me of more contemporary bands like High Spirits and Gygax, but I wouldn’t necessarily call this metal.

The musicianship strikes a perfect balance befitting the style, easygoing without sounding milquetoast and active without getting too brash. With the rhythm section setting a rock-solid foundation, True Bearings is a very guitar-oriented album. The leads play off each other beautifully and the riffs are executed with a vibrant tightness. The vocals’ workman delivery also suits the material well, putting in a nasally melodicism that reminds me of Cauldron or Haunt.

While such a meat and potatoes method could’ve made for generic songwriting, the album’s seven tracks are accessibly engaging. Moving from the EP to full-length format allows the band to stretch their dynamics a bit more, resulting the title track’s dreamy atmosphere and the slinkiness of “Dead Air.” From there, “Battered & Bruised” adjusts the tempo to a more mid-paced battering that comes to a hazy swing on the slow, seven-minute splendor of “Time Is No Excuse.” The opening and closing tracks do a splendid job of bookending the album with more straightforward rock roll.

As the RV on the cover art indicates, True Bearings is an album tailor made for cruising. While its classic rock influences are readily recognizable, the vibrant musicianship and upbeat execution give it a distinct identity. Along with groups like Tanith and Demon Eye, this is the sort of album that demands to be put on a road trip playlist alongside your old favorites. This is the sort of feel good music we’ve been needing and I’m happy to see Freeways deliver it.

Highlights:
“True Bearings”
“Dead Air”
“Battered & Bruised”
“Time Is No Excuse”

Final Grade: A-