The Formation of Damnation
Encyclopedia
The Formation of Damnation is the ninth studio album
by American heavy metal
band Testament
. It was released on April 29, 2008. It is the first album Testament has released of new material since 1999's The Gathering (not including the band's re-recording of early material for 2001's First Strike Still Deadly
) It is also Testament's first release with original guitarist Alex Skolnick
since 1992's The Ritual and bassist Greg Christian
since 1994's Low
, as well as Paul Bostaph
's first studio album with the band.
The follow-up to The Gathering was first mentioned in 2002 and was originally due for release in early 2004, but was not yet completed. Due to the band's touring schedule and many line-up changes, the album was set aside for a number of years before finally being completed in 2007/2008.
The album debuted at no. 59 on the Billboard 200 Chart, selling 11,900 copies in its first week.
It won the "Best Album" award at Metal Hammer
's Golden Gods Awards ceremony on 16 June 2008, beating albums by Atreyu
, Avenged Sevenfold
, Children of Bodom
and Down
. They later named it the 4th best album of 2008 in their end-of year top 50 albums list. In addition, Metal-Rules.com voted it the best metal album of 2008.
was "busy writing new material" for the album that would take "little more time since The Gathering" and be "a challenging act to follow". It was also confirmed that the album would be brutal "with a lot of dual lead trade-offs between guitarists Peterson and Skolnick
."
On February 15, 2004, it was announced that former Forbidden
/Slayer
drummer Paul Bostaph
would join the band to record the album. It was also announced that the band was planning on entering the studio in April
/May
, with an intended release date of late 2004.
On October 12, 2004, Testament posted a long update about the album:
In February 2005, Testament manager Phil Arnold of Thrill Entertainment issued the following update on the band's then-current and upcoming activities:
In a March 2005 interview with Peterson, a question was asked if the band would write and record new material with the then-reunited "classic line-up". Peterson replied;
In September 2006, Skolnick stated that the band would return to the studio in early 2007 to resume work on the new album. He explains:
In a February 2007 interview with singer Chuck Billy
, a question was asked when the band would get into the studio to record the album. Billy replied:
In March 2007, Peterson announced that the band was "working hard with Nick
on some new ideas and some cool old-school styles and it's coming together really killer! Six songs already in the can so far!" and would "get into the studio to track the drums in June". Billy also described the album as "a good wine, you throw in the grapes and 'CRUSH'".
In a June 2007 interview, a question was asked how many songs Testament was working on. Billy replied:
Also in June 2007, it was announced that Testament had parted ways with Spitfire Records
after an eight year relationship and signed with their current label Nuclear Blast. A March 2008 release date for the album was also announced.
In November 2007, it was announced that the album would be called The Formation of Damnation. A month later
, Blabbermouth.net
reported that an April 29, 2008 release date has been set.
and Eric Peterson
, except where noted.
Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
by American heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
band Testament
Testament (band)
Testament is an American metal band from Berkeley, California, formed in 1983. They are often credited as one of the most popular bands of the 1980s thrash metal scene...
. It was released on April 29, 2008. It is the first album Testament has released of new material since 1999's The Gathering (not including the band's re-recording of early material for 2001's First Strike Still Deadly
First Strike Still Deadly
First Strike Still Deadly is an album released by Testament in 2001. It consists of re-recordings of songs released on The Legacy and The New Order, as well as a re-recording of "Reign of Terror", which was originally on Legacy's Demo 1 and was also a b-side from the "Trial by Fire" single...
) It is also Testament's first release with original guitarist Alex Skolnick
Alex Skolnick
Alexander Nathan Skolnick is an American jazz and metal guitarist. He was a member of the San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal band Testament from 1983 until his departure in 1993...
since 1992's The Ritual and bassist Greg Christian
Greg Christian
Greg Christian is the bassist for the American thrash metal band Testament. He left the band in 1996, but rejoined in 2004.-Testament:...
since 1994's Low
Low (Testament album)
Low is the sixth album by American heavy metal band Testament. It was released in 1994. It was the first album without lead guitarist Alex Skolnick or drummer Louie Clemente, who were replaced by James Murphy and John Tempesta, respectively...
, as well as Paul Bostaph
Paul Bostaph
Paul Bostaph is a heavy metal drummer. His drumming career began in 1984, when he was 20 years old, and he had since worked with bands like Slayer, Forbidden, Exodus and Systematic. He is from Newark, California and currently drums for Testament...
's first studio album with the band.
The follow-up to The Gathering was first mentioned in 2002 and was originally due for release in early 2004, but was not yet completed. Due to the band's touring schedule and many line-up changes, the album was set aside for a number of years before finally being completed in 2007/2008.
The album debuted at no. 59 on the Billboard 200 Chart, selling 11,900 copies in its first week.
It won the "Best Album" award at Metal Hammer
Metal Hammer
Metal Hammer is a monthly heavy metal music magazine published in the United Kingdom by Future Publishing, and in several other countries by different publishers. Metal Hammer articles feature both mainstream bands and more unusual acts from the whole spectrum of heavy metal music...
's Golden Gods Awards ceremony on 16 June 2008, beating albums by Atreyu
Atreyu (band)
Atreyu is an American rock band from Orange County, California, formed in 1998. The band consists of vocalist/lyricist Alex Varkatzas, guitarists Dan Jacobs and Travis Miguel, bassist Marc McKnight and drummer/vocalist Brandon Saller...
, Avenged Sevenfold
Avenged Sevenfold
Avenged Sevenfold is an American heavy metal band from Huntington Beach, California. Formed in 1999, the group consists of vocalist M. Shadows, lead guitarist Synyster Gates, rhythm guitarist Zacky Vengeance, bassist Johnny Christ....
, Children of Bodom
Children of Bodom
Children of Bodom is a Finnish heavy metal band from Espoo. Formed in 1993, the group currently consists of Alexi Laiho , Roope Latvala , Janne Wirman , Henkka Seppälä , and Jaska Raatikainen...
and Down
Down (band)
Down is an American heavy metal supergroup that formed in 1991 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The band's current lineup consists of vocalist Phil Anselmo, guitarist Pepper Keenan, guitarist Kirk Windstein, bassist Pat Bruders and drummer Jimmy Bower. Since their formation, Down has gone on hiatus twice...
. They later named it the 4th best album of 2008 in their end-of year top 50 albums list. In addition, Metal-Rules.com voted it the best metal album of 2008.
Background information
Testament first mentioned their follow-up to The Gathering in May 2002, stating that guitarist Eric PetersonEric Peterson
Eric Neal Peterson, C.M. is a Canadian stage and television actor, known for his roles in three major Canadian series – Street Legal, Corner Gas and This is Wonderland.-Personal life:...
was "busy writing new material" for the album that would take "little more time since The Gathering" and be "a challenging act to follow". It was also confirmed that the album would be brutal "with a lot of dual lead trade-offs between guitarists Peterson and Skolnick
Alex Skolnick
Alexander Nathan Skolnick is an American jazz and metal guitarist. He was a member of the San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal band Testament from 1983 until his departure in 1993...
."
On February 15, 2004, it was announced that former Forbidden
Forbidden (band)
Forbidden is a thrash metal band from the San Francisco Bay Area. Formed in 1985 as Forbidden Evil, the group was founded by Russ Anderson and Craig Locicero, who are both permanent members. Since their formation, Forbidden have broken up and reformed twice with numerous line-up changes...
/Slayer
Slayer
Slayer is an American thrash metal band formed in Huntington Park, California, in 1981 by guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King. Slayer rose to fame with their 1986 release, Reign in Blood, and is credited as one of the "Big Four" thrash metal acts, along with Metallica, Megadeth and...
drummer Paul Bostaph
Paul Bostaph
Paul Bostaph is a heavy metal drummer. His drumming career began in 1984, when he was 20 years old, and he had since worked with bands like Slayer, Forbidden, Exodus and Systematic. He is from Newark, California and currently drums for Testament...
would join the band to record the album. It was also announced that the band was planning on entering the studio in April
April 2004
2004 : January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December-Events:2004 : January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December-Events:...
/May
May 2004
May 2004: January – February – March – April – May – June – July – August – September – October – November – December-Events:...
, with an intended release date of late 2004.
On October 12, 2004, Testament posted a long update about the album:
In February 2005, Testament manager Phil Arnold of Thrill Entertainment issued the following update on the band's then-current and upcoming activities:
In a March 2005 interview with Peterson, a question was asked if the band would write and record new material with the then-reunited "classic line-up". Peterson replied;
In September 2006, Skolnick stated that the band would return to the studio in early 2007 to resume work on the new album. He explains:
In a February 2007 interview with singer Chuck Billy
Chuck Billy
Chuck Billy may refer to:* Chuck Billy , best known for his work with the thrash metal band Testament* Chuck Billy , Mauricio de Souza's creation, best known as related to Monica's Gang...
, a question was asked when the band would get into the studio to record the album. Billy replied:
In March 2007, Peterson announced that the band was "working hard with Nick
Nicholas Barker
Nicholas Howard Barker is an extreme metal drummer .- Biography :He was the original drummer for British metal band Cradle of Filth, playing on the first three albums. After leaving in 1999, he joined Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir...
on some new ideas and some cool old-school styles and it's coming together really killer! Six songs already in the can so far!" and would "get into the studio to track the drums in June". Billy also described the album as "a good wine, you throw in the grapes and 'CRUSH'".
In a June 2007 interview, a question was asked how many songs Testament was working on. Billy replied:
Also in June 2007, it was announced that Testament had parted ways with Spitfire Records
Spitfire Records
Spitfire Records was a subdivision of Eagle Rock Entertainment located in New York, United States.In September 1998, Paul Bibeau founded, launched and rapidly developed Spitfire Records Inc. from a two-man operation located in his home bedroom in suburban Long Island, New York, to one of the...
after an eight year relationship and signed with their current label Nuclear Blast. A March 2008 release date for the album was also announced.
In November 2007, it was announced that the album would be called The Formation of Damnation. A month later
December 2007
December 2007 was the twelfth month of that year. It began on a Saturday and, after 31 days, ended on a Monday.-Portal:Current events:...
, Blabbermouth.net
Blabbermouth.net
Blabbermouth.net is a website dedicated to heavy metal and hard rock news, as well as album and music DVD reviews. Blabbermouth.net was founded and is run by Borivoj Krgin. The first version of the website was officially launched in March 2001...
reported that an April 29, 2008 release date has been set.
Track listing
All songs written by Chuck BillyChuck Billy (vocalist)
Chuck Billy is an American vocalist, who is best known as the vocalist for the thrash metal band Testament.-Testament:Chuck Billy replaced Steve "Zetro" Souza, future Exodus vocalist, in the mid-1980s when the band was still called Legacy. Following his arrival, Testament released their first...
and Eric Peterson
Eric Peterson (musician)
Eric Peterson is an American guitarist. He is best known as the only constant member of the US thrash metal band Testament. Eric has also formed a side-project black metal band called Dragonlord, in which he plays guitar and also sings. In Testament, Eric was originally a rhythm guitarist while...
, except where noted.
- For the Glory of... (Billy) - 1:12
- More Than Meets the Eye - 4:31
- The Evil Has Landed - 4:44
- The Formation of Damnation - 5:10
- Dangers of the Faithless (Billy, Peterson, Alex SkolnickAlex SkolnickAlexander Nathan Skolnick is an American jazz and metal guitarist. He was a member of the San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal band Testament from 1983 until his departure in 1993...
) - 5:47 - The Persecuted Won't Forget - 5:49
- Henchmen Ride - 4:00
- Killing Season - 4:52
- Afterlife - 4:13
- F.E.A.R. (Skolnick) - 4:46
- Leave Me Forever (Billy, Peterson, Greg ChristianGreg ChristianGreg Christian is the bassist for the American thrash metal band Testament. He left the band in 1996, but rejoined in 2004.-Testament:...
) - 4:28
Band line-up
- Chuck BillyChuck Billy (vocalist)Chuck Billy is an American vocalist, who is best known as the vocalist for the thrash metal band Testament.-Testament:Chuck Billy replaced Steve "Zetro" Souza, future Exodus vocalist, in the mid-1980s when the band was still called Legacy. Following his arrival, Testament released their first...
: Vocals - Alex SkolnickAlex SkolnickAlexander Nathan Skolnick is an American jazz and metal guitarist. He was a member of the San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal band Testament from 1983 until his departure in 1993...
: Lead guitar - Eric PetersonEric Peterson (musician)Eric Peterson is an American guitarist. He is best known as the only constant member of the US thrash metal band Testament. Eric has also formed a side-project black metal band called Dragonlord, in which he plays guitar and also sings. In Testament, Eric was originally a rhythm guitarist while...
: Rhythm, lead guitar - Greg ChristianGreg ChristianGreg Christian is the bassist for the American thrash metal band Testament. He left the band in 1996, but rejoined in 2004.-Testament:...
: Bass - Paul BostaphPaul BostaphPaul Bostaph is a heavy metal drummer. His drumming career began in 1984, when he was 20 years old, and he had since worked with bands like Slayer, Forbidden, Exodus and Systematic. He is from Newark, California and currently drums for Testament...
: Drums
Production credits
- Andy SneapAndy SneapAndy "Undie" Sneap is an English record producer, recording engineer, mixer, guitarist, and songwriter. He is best known for producing and mixing many acclaimed heavy metal albums.-Musician:...
: Mixing, Engineering - Eric PetersonEric Peterson (musician)Eric Peterson is an American guitarist. He is best known as the only constant member of the US thrash metal band Testament. Eric has also formed a side-project black metal band called Dragonlord, in which he plays guitar and also sings. In Testament, Eric was originally a rhythm guitarist while...
: Co-Producer, Art concept - Chuck BillyChuck Billy (vocalist)Chuck Billy is an American vocalist, who is best known as the vocalist for the thrash metal band Testament.-Testament:Chuck Billy replaced Steve "Zetro" Souza, future Exodus vocalist, in the mid-1980s when the band was still called Legacy. Following his arrival, Testament released their first...
: Co-Producer - Eliran KantorEliran KantorEliran Kantor is a Berlin-based artist and illustrator known mostly for creating album covers for heavy metal bands such as Testament, Mekong Delta, Sigh and Anacrusis...
: Artwork and illustrations - Vincent Wojno: Engineering
Charts
Album| Year | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | The Billboard 200 | 59 |
| 2008 | Finnish Albums Chart | 12 |
| 2008 | German Albums Chart | 15 |