The Gathering (album)

Infobox Album | Name = The Gathering
Type = studio
Artist = Testament


Released = June 8 1999
Recorded = 1998-1999
Genre = Thrash metal
Length = 46:06
Label = Spitfire, Prosthetic
Producer = Eric Peterson & Chuck Billy
Reviews =
*Allmusic Rating|4.5|5 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:8r6ompch9ffo link]
Last album = "Signs of Chaos"
(1997)
This album = "The Gathering"
(1999)
Next album = "The Very Best of Testament"
(2001)

"The Gathering" is the eighth album by thrash metal band Testament.

Stylistically, this is much faster, heavier, and more thrash metal-based than the previous album "Demonic". The over-all sound and general lyrical tone is darker and more evil in scope than previous Testament albums. Chuck Billy uses some of his most aggressive vocal approaches: nary a melodic singing style is heard, and multiple songs contains sections of death grunts. He also stated the speed of the songs was also influenced by Eric Peterson's playing in his black metal side project, Dragonlord, which is why this album is more up tempo than the previous album.

This album also boasts an all-star cast, featuring James Murphy, Steve DiGiorgio, and Dave Lombardo with Peterson and Billy.

It reached # 48 of the German album charts.

Track listing

# "D.N.R. (Do Not Resuscitate)" – 3:34
# "Down for Life" – 3:23
# "Eyes of Wrath" – 5:26
# "True Believer" – 3:36
# "Three Days in Darkness" – 4:41
# "Legions of the Dead" – 2:37
# "Careful What You Wish For" – 3:30
# "Riding the Snake" – 4:13
# "Allegiance" – 2:37
# "Sewn Shut Eyes" – 4:15
# "Fall of Sipledome" – 4:48
# "Hammer of the Gods" – 3:11

"Hammer of the Gods" is an instrumental bonus track.

Credits

*Chuck Billy: Vocals, Co-Producer
*Eric Peterson: Rhythm/Lead Guitar, Producer, Engineering
*James Murphy: Lead Guitar, Engineering
*Steve DiGiorgio: Bass
*Dave Lombardo: Drums
*Andy Sneap: Engineering, Mixing
*Vincent Wojno : Engineering
*Kent Matcke : Engineering
*Phil Arnold : Executive Producer
*Dave McKean : Album cover artwork