Testament--Demonic

Testament--Demonic (1997/Burnt Offerings) Rating--8.5

Chuck Billy tests the Death Metal waters with his vocals, as the majority of the tracks here feature the "growl".
Despite the absence of guitarist James Murphy on this disc, there are still a number of steady songs. Murphy's void shows the most in terms of the lead work, as the cuts here aren't quite as ripping and flowing as the releases immediately before and after it. All in all, still some very punishing work.
"Demonic Refusal" opens with a steady pulse drive, and the chugging, constant rhythm of "The Burning Times" rolls on track two. The strafing and slashing "John Doe" is a high mark, as is the ripping and grinding "Murky Waters," and "Hatreds Rise" with its excellent, mystic-flowing verses.
Other bulldozers include the pull-off laden "Distorted Eyes," the scapel-chops of "New Eyes of Old," and the rapid-fire chugs of "Ten Thousand Thrones".
A very solid offering, to be sure. However, the band gets back on its rightful throne with the next release...
TRACK LIST: Demonic Refusal/The Burning Times/Together As One/Jun-Jun/John Doe/Murky Waters/Hatreds Rise/Distorted Lives/New Eyes of Old/ Ten Thousand Thrones/Nostrovia

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