Photo by: Fred Kowalo
Official press release:
Bay Area thrash metal icons Testament returns this Fall with their fourteenth studio album, Para Bellum. The album which will be released on October 10th via Nuclear Blast Records stands as both a battle cry and an observation of humanity’s uneasy alliance with its own creations. As technology accelerates and disconnection grows, Para Bellum sees Testament reflecting the modern chaos through music that’s urgent, sharp, and unflinchingly human.
Today, Testament deliver one of their most intense songs they’ve written to date, “Infanticide A.I.”. Lead by the blinding speed of their new drummer Chris Dovas, the band shows off its musical talent far beyond their expected norms. Watch the music video for “Infanticide A.I.” directed by Joey Durango, here:
Vocalist Chuck Billy comments:
“The new album Para Bellum consists of some fast, heavy and melodic tunes. Once again Peterson has found a way to keep the song writing fresh and modern sounding. It’s gonna be hard to choose what songs to play live cause to many to choose from.”
Guitarist Eric Peterson states:
“It’s been 5 years since our last record Titans Of Creation was released. Since then, we all waited to get back to it and we all did in a big way! Now our long over due new record Para Bellum is upon us and about to be released in October. We are super stoked and excited to release new blood and fury to you all! With our first single ‘Infanticide A.I.’ we’re coming out swinging! But with new velocities of fury, while maintaining a balance that we all love and know from a Testament track, enjoy!”
Stream “Infanticide A.I.” here.
Pre-order or pre-save Para Bellum on the format of your choice here.
Para Bellum was recorded with Juan Urteaga, mixed by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios, and was mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios. The album is extremely polished and operating at full throttle. The band once again enlisted Eliran Kantor to create the album artwork. In an era flooded by AI-generated imagery. the hand painted creation encapsulates the album’s essence: a serene angel made of missiles, an explosion turned halo, surrounded by shovel-bearing cultists with books strapped to their faces.
From first note to last breath, Para Bellum is an album by warriors—crafted in chaos, and built to outlast the wars to come!
Para Bellum track listing:
- “For the Love of Pain”
- “Infanticide A.I.”
- “Shadow People”
- “Meant to Be”
- “High Noon”
- “Witch Hunt”
- “Nature of the Beast”
- “Room 117”
- “Havana Syndrome”
- “Para Bellum”
