Testament – Titans Of Creation

Since the release of their 2008 album The Formation of Damnation, Testament has stuck to a pattern of releasing new records roughly every four years. Titans of Creation continues that tradition and marks the first time in nearly three decades that the band has released two consecutive albums with the same lineup – and based on its predecessor, Brotherhood of the Snake, that’s good news. The 2016 release was a solid and dynamic effort, thanks in large part to the return of bassist Steve Di Giorgio and drummer Gene Hoglan’s exceptionally inspired performance.

As with recent albums, Titans of Creation is produced by vocalist Chuck Billy and guitarist Eric Peterson, with Juan Urteaga co-producing, recording, and engineering, and Andy Sneap handling the mix. Unsurprisingly, the album follows the same sonic formula that has served the band well since their 2008 comeback: a clean, crisp sound with excellent balance and just enough warmth to distinguish it from the more clinical production that plagues many modern thrash metal releases. Like its predecessor, the new album also benefits from Di Giorgio’s presence – the bass is much more prominent in the mix, adding depth and groove. His playing is, as always, superb: groovy, creative, and even playful when needed.

Musically, the band stays on familiar ground, building on the foundation they’ve laid over the past decade. Given their collective skill and experience, it’s almost impossible for the result to be weak. However, the songwriting on Titans of Creation doesn’t quite meet the high standard fans have come to expect from these Bay Area thrash veterans. Many of the tracks, while flawlessly executed, lack a spark of inspiration and sometimes feel like the band is leaning a bit too heavily on their technical prowess rather than fresh ideas.

That said, there’s still plenty to dig into on this album. Stylistically, Titans of Creation covers a broad range and serves as a solid representation of Testament’s core identity. The opener, “Children of the Next Level,” is classic Testament – aggressive, tight, and sharply written. “Dream Deceiver” carries a nostalgic Souls of Black vibe, while “Ishtar’s Gate” is a technical showcase for each band member without ever feeling self-indulgent.

So yes, it’s business as usual – but there are moments of brilliance that remind us why Testament remains one of the genre’s most respected names. “Night of the Witch” is a powerful, well-structured song that encapsulates the band at their best. Along with the furious “Curse of Osiris,” it even incorporates black metal elements, giving Billy the chance to show off the full range and versatility of his vocals.

“City of Angels” stands out as a slow-burning, groove-heavy track that blossoms with individual creativity. Despite its slightly awkward lyrics, it’s still one of the album’s highlights – dark, expansive, and musically rich.

Lyrically, the band remains in familiar territory – drawing on current events, universal themes, and ancient stories to underline modern-day issues. This works best when approached with a bit of abstraction. It becomes less effective when the band tries to be too literal or overly detailed, as seen in “City of Angels” and particularly in “Code of Hammurabi.”

At this stage in their career, Testament is practically a guarantee of quality. Titans of Creation is a clear example of that. The reunions with Hoglan and – especially – Di Giorgio have brought consistency and new life into the band, reinforcing their strengths and trademarks. While this album doesn’t quite reach the songwriting heights of Brotherhood of the Snake or the previous two records, it still stands as a powerful, professional, and rewarding entry in their discography.

www.testamentlegions.com