Opener “For The Love Of Pain” is heavier than you might remember Testament being. Perhaps Eric Peterson has let his death metal side come out more in the writing? Either way, it’s like being trapped in a nightmare—and maybe that’s what 2025 feels like. Certainly, it’s more of an icy blast than you might have anticipated.
It’s perfect, in many ways, that Testament have stepped back into the fray right now. Their last record emerged just after the world shut down for the Covid pandemic, and now “Para Bellum”—the second half of the Latin phrase “if you want peace, prepare for war”—arrives at another fractured moment. It feels both apposite and disappointing: disappointing, because if we are truly at the end of days in a world of no compassion, then this is the apocalyptic soundtrack—and it’s scarily accurate.
“Infanticide A.I.” declares that “every human will be replaced,” while “Shadow People” implores us to “scream like it’s your final breath.”
For all the dystopia and hard truths in the lyrics, the light and shade comes through in the musicianship. With their “big three”—Chuck Billy, Eric Peterson, and Alex Skolnick—in place as ever, the breadth of the material shines. The barren opener gives way to the slow-building ballad “Meant To Be,” which arrives a few tracks later and proves a genuine highlight.
“…Bellum” also introduces new drummer Chris Dovas, who excels throughout—not least on “High Noon,” which pummels while Billy pointedly asks, “who’s the fastest?”
Nearly 40 years into their career, you could forgive Testament for slowing down. Instead, this feels like a deliberate attempt to confound expectations. If they play “Witch Hunt” live, the mosh pits will be carnage.
“Nature Of The Beast” offers a little light relief. A sleazy gallop through the “city of sin,” it’s a fun aside. Perhaps the purest thrash moment arrives in “Room 117,” where the solos radiate just how much joy went into making this record.
The gift for melody and groove Testament have always had hasn’t left them either. “Havana Syndrome” overflows with both, the twin guitars again underlining just what a pairing this band possess.
The title track closes the record with a nod to a bridge from their debut “The Legacy.” Testament are fully aware of their past—and proud of it—but they are never beholden to it.
This doesn’t sound like a band living in the past. Instead, “Para Bellum”—both the album and the song—sounds like thrash metal should in 2025.
The phrase “The Big Four” never felt adequate, for one reason: it didn’t include Testament.
“We can’t fight no more,” Chuck Billy says near the end of the album. But no one believes that. Testament are still battle-ready, and their weapons remain as sharp as ever.
Rating: 8.5/10
