Para Bellum marks the 14th album from thrash maniacs Testament, following up 2020’s phenomenal Titans of Creation. Behind the kit this time is Chris Dovas, stepping in after Dave Lombardo’s departure — Lombardo was supposed to join for this record, but with him being in about five other bands, it didn’t work out.
This album is a different beast from Titans. That record is what brought me back to Testament — and back to thrash, really. I’d drifted away since the early days of the genre in the ‘80s, but Titans reignited it for me: front-to-back thrash perfection, no filler, just bangers.
With Para Bellum, Testament branches out a bit. They move seamlessly between thrash, death metal, and melodic metal, sometimes all in one track. That versatility is a testament (no pun intended) to Chuck Billy’s vocal range — he adapts to every style effortlessly — and Alex Skolnick’s guitar wizardry is, as always, off the charts. His solos, dive bombs, and phrasing remain second to none.
Is it as thrashy as Titans? Not quite. There’s even a seven-minute ballad, “Meant to Be,” with orchestral elements — something I didn’t know I wanted, but it actually works. It shows up after three absolute crushers (“Inficide, A.I.,” “Shadow People,” and “For the Love of Pain”), giving the album a breather before kicking back into gear with “High Noon.” It’s unlikely they’ll play “Meant to Be” live, but it adds an unexpected layer of dynamics to the record.
Five years after their last release, Testament hasn’t lost a step. If anything, they’ve refined their sound even more. The riffs are lethal, the production is tight, and lyrically, they’re still tackling relevant, intelligent themes. Testament remains the true kings of thrash — everything Metallica could have been if they’d stayed heavy.
They could’ve easily made Titans II and called it a day, but instead, they took risks and delivered something fresh. For my money, Testament continues to outplay and outthink nearly every band from their era.
If you’re already a fan, Para Bellum will not disappoint. If you’re new to thrash, this might just be your gateway record — and from here, you can work your way backward through one of the most consistent discographies in metal.
Highly recommended. Testament remains untouchable.
Para Bellum came out on October 10th via Nuclear Blast Records.
Para Bellum track listing:
01. For The Love Of Pain
02. Infanticide A.I.
03. Shadow People
04. Meant To Be
05. High Noon
06. Witch Hunt
07. Nature Of The Beast
08. Room 117
09. Havana Syndrome
10. Para Bellum
Rod Orchard is a veteran music journalist and photographer with 35+ years documenting metal, punk, and hardcore. His work has been featured in publications, films, documentaries, and record artwork worldwide, capturing the raw energy of live shows and backstage life.