Album Notes

Just when I thought I couldn’t get interested in yet another band in the classic metal genre, along comes Testify. My first exposure to the group was its independently released full length debut 24:27 from 2009, an album (85% Angelic Warlord review) I described as a “unique brand of metal with a message” and a “joining of traditional heavy metal and straightforward hard rock”. Testify continues in the same direction – both musically and lyrically – on its summer of 2010 sophomore outing Pushing Back Darkness.

Pushing Back Darkness features eight tracks of meaty metal characterized by solid chorus hooks and a pronounced rhythm guitar sound. “Eyes Of Fire”, with its upbeat momentum, is the albums catchiest while “Pushing Back Darkness” serves up a powerful milieu in bringing an anthem-like feel. “Pillar Of Salt” and “Sound The Alarm” represent Testify at its best, with the former showcasing a swarthy low end and latter a dramatic environs and propensity for the instrumental. “Hells Gate’ almost reflects a thrash-like feel while “Time To Burn” is short but energetic. “From The Grave” and “Way Truth Life” head in more of a hard rock direction in delivering some tasteful guitar riffs