REVIEW: Testament - Para Bellum

With their reigning position in the 'Big eight of thrash metal' and over forty years on the scene, it is no surprise that TESTAMENT only gains more and more popularity amongst the metal fans. With the current line-up of ERIC PETERSON (guitars, backing vocals), ALEX SKOLNICK (guitars, backing vocals), CHUCK BILLY (lead vocals), STEVE DI GIORGIO (bass, backing vocals) and CHRIS DOVAS (drums), the band not only did multiple worldwide tours, with the recent one taking place this October, but also released a completely new album.

Bringing ten new songs on the table with Para Bellum, the thrash metal icons made sure their comeback is as pompous and aggressive as it can be. The opening track For The Love Of Pain already features some meaty riffs right from the beginning, and it absolutely does not stop there. Accompanied by the electrifying sound of snare, that does calm down only a handful of times, as well as BILLY’s raspy vocals and screams, the five-minutes long song is not only a great opening act, but is also a statement of TESTAMENT’s undying inspiration and dedication to their craft.

While being all about the fast tempo, the band catered to their fans, who are enjoying big guitar solos as well, with songs like Shadow People, High Noon and Havana Syndrome. The precision and years of experience of PETERSON, who is the only founding member left in the band, and SKOLNICK, who joined two years after, are easy to find in each of the songs, and it is no surprise the segments are an important part of their music, with intriguing riffs, that always bring something special to each of the tracks.

Starting with acoustics, Meant To Be brings a change of pace early into the album. The ever-so-appealing combination of the sound of acoustic guitar with the complimentary drums is a classic one, and always appreciated as well. Being a rock ballad in the midst of songs that can be proud of their moshpits, Meant To Be is with no doubt a candidate for one of the best features of the whole release, as its emotional lyrics, big guitar solo and overall build up are a beautiful and touching surprise.

It is no secret that TESTAMENT has left one of the most prominent songs of Para Bellum for the end, and it is no other than the title track itself. With DI GIORGIO’s bass adding depth to the already complex song and DOVAS’ drums leading the way, the song is a prime example of what thrash is about - big screams and even bigger and faster melodies. Although the song does not boast any surprising features in the first five and a half minutes, the rest of the song closes with a melancholic acoustic guitar, really making it a one-of-a-kind closure.

Para Bellum is not an innovative, never seen before project, but rather one that expands on elements well known to every fan of TESTAMENT. Many songs sound similar and do not offer anything new, yet the band still manage to make the album nostalgic and exciting to listen to, from monstrous guitar solos to emotionally charged melodies. Even after more than forty years on the metal scene and with the title of the most popular and influential band on the thrash metal scene, they still show their fans that they did not lose their spark and dedication.

Score: 6/10

Para Bellum was released on 10th October 2025 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Words: Katerina Stepanikova

Photos: Fred Kowalo