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[Metallus Maximus]

Metallus Maximus � Maximus Archivus � Classic Album Of The Day Archive (Moderator: Hellboy)
Classic Album of the Day 2/10/09: Testament - The Gathering

[Venom]

Testament's 1999 release The Gathering was  Jaw dropping listen the first time I heard this in my car after purchasing this in South Atlanta at Media Play on my way home to Macon. Oh my god, Testament was back!  The band was heavy as hell, Chuck Billy was growling and his vocals were just vicious period!! Not to mention, Chuck and Eric Peterson had assembled basically an all-star band period for this album: James Murphy was back on guitars, Steve DiGiorgio on bass and the living legend himself Dave Lombardo on drums.  Hell with a lineup like that how could you go wrong?? Well they did not disappoint. From the very first song, D.N.R. [Do Not Resuscitate], the band hits hard and does not let up.  The Gathering ranks up with The Legacy as my 2 favorite Testament albums.  What says you Metallus Maximus board??

Track Listing:

   1. D.N.R. [Do Not Resuscitate]
   2. Down for Life
   3. Eyes of Wrath
   4. True Believer
   5. 3 Days in Darkness
   6. Legions of the Dead
   7. Careful What You Wish For
   8. Riding the Snake
   9. Allegiance
  10. Sewn Shut Eyes
  11. Fall of Sipledome

[zekeyou]

I don't know, I was pretty unimpressed with this album-- sure, it's heavy, the sound is pretty smooth, the line-up excellent-- it kind of reminds me of Death's "Individual Thought Patterns"-- not sonically-- but that in theory it had everything going for it, but for some reason just failed to be the "perfect" album for which I'd hoped.

I definitely appreciate "True Believer", though, and have always, always appreciated Testament.

[Hellboy]

I was blown away as well and still thinks it's easily the best Testament album since The New Order 

[Venom]

I was blown away as well and still thinks it's easily the best Testament album since The New Order 

[Klschmann]

Good album, especially the first two tracks and Three Days In Darkness.  I saw them twice on this tour and they were incredible live, even after waiting for them to sound check the mic for over a fucking hour.

I really think the lack of solos hurts it a bit, that was a very signature part of their sound and it's nearly gone here.

Still, pretty damn awesome album, and I can't believe it's been out for 9 years.

[zekeyou]

Still, pretty damn awesome album, and I can't believe it's been out for 9 years.

How quickly 'the wait' is forgotten...

[Klschmann]

Still, pretty damn awesome album, and I can't believe it's been out for 9 years.

How quickly 'the wait' is forgotten...

  True

I think Formation was a great album, but I could see why fans wanting a return to the neo-Death Metal Gathering were disappointed.

[moshdrum69]

AWESOME album!!!!  My favorite from Testament,,,,,yes, I even prefer it over the first 2,,,,,

[Venom]

AWESOME album!!!!  My favorite from Testament,,,,,yes, I even prefer it over the first 2,,,,,

[Pelata]

I can't believe that album is 10 years old already...LOVE it!! 

[moshdrum69]

Wow,,,,,I guess it didn't strike me that it's a decade old,,,,,

[Venom]

Wow,,,,,I guess it didn't strike me that it's a decade old,,,,,

Yep, but it still sounds like it came out yesterday!!

[moshdrum69]

Wow,,,,,I guess it didn't strike me that it's a decade old,,,,,

Yep, but it still sounds like it came out yesterday!!

I'm gonna listen to it right now,,,,,

[Klschmann]

I still remember when I bought this album, it was at Best Buy on release day. 

[Venom]

I still remember when I bought this album, it was at Best Buy on release day. 

At least you got THIS ONE at the time!!!