The Gathering

Released on 8 June 1999, The Gathering marks the eighth studio album by American thrash metal pioneers Testament. This album stands out not only as the band’s first release under Spitfire Records but also as a significant moment in their evolution, introducing new members Steve DiGiorgio on bass and Dave Lombardo on drums. Co-produced by band members Chuck Billy and Eric Peterson, along with longtime collaborator Del James, The Gathering showcased a fresh lineup while maintaining Testament’s signature sound.

The album represents a critical point in Testament’s journey, blending their classic thrash metal roots with elements of death metal, a transition that began with their previous release, Demonic. Critics and fans hailed The Gathering as a return to form, with standout tracks such as “D.N.R. (Do Not Resuscitate),” “Riding the Snake,” and “Legions of the Dead” receiving particular acclaim. This blend of styles allowed for a more aggressive and diverse sonic palette, a shift facilitated by the creative synergy between Lombardo and Peterson, which Billy described as the “key and secret” to the album’s heavier sound.

Upon its release, The Gathering featured eleven tracks and would later see a reissue on January 8, 2008, which included an instrumental bonus track, “Hammer of the Gods.” Although this track was listed on the original American release, it did not appear on the CD, raising questions about its availability. The album’s cover art, created by Dave McKean, continued the visual narrative established by previous Testament albums Demonic and Low.

Testament embarked on the Riding the Snake World Tour to promote the album, featuring touring guitarist Steve Smyth and drummer Jon Allen from Sadus. The tour concluded in 2001, shortly before frontman Chuck Billy was diagnosed with cancer, leading to a hiatus that lasted until the release of The Formation of Damnation in 2008.

While The Gathering peaked at number 48 on the German album charts, its critical reception was largely positive. It received solid ratings from various publications, including an 8/10 from Metal Hammer and a 9/10 from Rock Hard. In 2021, The Gathering was named one of the 20 best metal albums of 1999 by Metal Hammer, solidifying its place in Testament’s legacy.