RECORDINGS Testament Titans of Creation The band’s thirteenth studio release proves once again how they themselves are titans of creation in the thrash metal lineage. Although drummer Gene Hoglan is not an original member of Testament, his drumming style created the molds from which most all thrash and extreme metal drumming spawned. Case in point is the opening track of Testament’s new album, Titans of Creation (Nuclear Blast). On “Children of the Next Level,” Hoglan’s double kicks gallop in unison with the guitars, something he pioneered back in the ’80s with Death and Dark Angel, and that metal drummers have emulated ever since. “Night of the Witch” covers some new terrain for the band, channeling black metal vibes with the help of the haunting vocals of guitarist Eric Peterson. Overall, the album maintains a classic Testament sound with some modern progressive elements thrown into the mix. Hoglan’s signature drumming is […]

August 2020 Issue