Dark Roots of Earth

"**Dark Roots of Earth**" is the tenth studio album by the American thrash metal band Testament, released on July 27, 2012. The album marks a continuation of Testament's established sound, blending heavy, aggressive riffs with melodic elements and powerful vocals. It is noted for its lyrical themes that often touch upon matters of mythology, life, and death.

The album sees the return of classic Testament drummer Gene Hoglan, who provided his signature intense drumming style. Notably, the album also had contributions from Chris Adler of Lamb of God on drum tracks, although he did not officially join the band. The lineup was rounded out by long-standing members: Chuck Billy on vocals, Eric Peterson and Alex Skolnick on guitars, and Greg Christian on bass.

Produced by Andy Sneap, who has worked with the band on previous projects, "Dark Roots of Earth" received generally positive reviews from both critics and fans. It is praised for maintaining the high energy and technical proficiency that Testament is known for, while also exploring more melodic and dynamic musical landscapes.

The album's artwork, created by Eliran Kantor, features a depiction of a powerful figure standing amidst nature, symbolizing themes of primal energy and life forces inherent in the album's lyrical content. The tracklist includes songs like "Rise Up," "Native Blood," "Dark Roots of Earth," and "True American Hate," showcasing a variety of tempos and styles, from fast-paced thrash anthems to more mid-tempo, groove-oriented tracks.

"Dark Roots of Earth" performed well commercially, debuting at number 12 on the Billboard 200, which was a significant achievement for the band, highlighting their enduring popularity in the metal scene. This album represents a culmination of Testament's experience and skill, blending contemporary metal influences with their traditional thrash foundations.