TFOD is essentially a sonic summation of Testament's entire history. The blistering and harmonized leads, killer riffs, thick bass, pounding percussion, and those chameleonic vocals - all are present in spades. Yes, these components are familiar but this album is not a retread as some might have you believe. No, there is something fresh about these songs and the band simply sounds reinvigorated and rejuvenated. In fact, lots of firsts can be noted about TFOD: it is the band's first new studio effort since 1999's The Gathering, their first new album with original guitarist Alex Skolnick since 1992's The Ritual, the first new record to feature original bassist Greg Christian since 1994's Low, as well as their first album for new label Nuclear Blast. May it not be their last....

The album's highlight is "The Persecuted Won't Forget," which features a very (modern era) Exodus-sounding riff throughout, as well as Black Metal stylings midway through. This is Testament at their most urgent. Other strong songs include the instant classic "More Than Meets the Eye," the titular track, "Henchmen Ride," and the sentimental "Afterlife." Andy Sneap's production is perhaps his best ever, offering enough polish and dirt while maintaining crystal clarity. If a reference is required, think equal parts Souls of Black, Low, and The Gathering. Anyone who claims to have expected or wanted more, or worse yet, cried "sellout" - these poor bastards have simply missed the mark. Worst of all, they probably downloaded this sucker. Talk about selling out....

Bonus rounds: Bay Area lifer Steve "Zetro" Souza (look elsewhere for this man's history, junior), his son Nick, and Steev Esquivel (Skinlab) make vocal contributions, and Zetro added lyrical content on 6 songs. "F.E.A.R." (standing for "false evidence appearing real") was entirely from the mind of Skolnick. Long time contributor Del James (check Google, son), also penned some words for the formidable TFOD. The album is not groundbreakingly brilliant, no, but as Chuck himself put it: "It's nice to see heavy metal make a statement in such a pop climate." Indeed. \m/ In a pseudo-sound bite: Testament is akin to tungsten in 2008. TFOD is a statement of willful intent.

written by Tony Belcher

Playing time: 49:36