Dark Roots of Earth
by Testament
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
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  1. AllMusic
    Aug 21, 2012
    80
    For now, Dark Roots of Earth improves upon 2008's comeback The Formation of Damnation and, in tandem with those rejuvenated live performances, promises a well-deserved second act for a band that so narrowly missed grasping the golden ring their first time around.
  2. BBC Music
    Aug 13, 2012
    70
    Despite Testament's commendable attempt to spice their sound with something a little different, one can't help feeling that Dark Roots of Earth is one track short of achieving overall excellence.
  3. Exclaim
    Aug 13, 2012
    80
    Testament just don't make missteps (the album could be a couple songs shorter, but that's my biggest complaint), continuing to craft thrash that's mature, heavy and aggressive in all the best ways.
  5. Kerrang!
    Aug 13, 2012
    80
    This is Testament doing what they do best--serving a trashterclass in malevolent metal. [28 Jul 2012, p.53]
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  6. Revolver
    Aug 13, 2012
    80
    Dark Roots offers shred-heavy political statements ("True American Hate"), hook-laden power-jags ("Native Blood"), and straight-up rippers ("Man Kills Mankind"), slipping only on slower material like the title track and quasi-ballad "Cold Embrace."

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. Lordeldar
    Sep 8, 2012
    10
    After listening to True American Hate before the release of the album, I was sure that Testament's latest release was going to be somethingAfter listening to True American Hate before the release of the album, I was sure that Testament's latest release was going to be something amazing. Was I right? Yes. The album starts off with "Rise Up" which tops pretty much everything on previous record "The Formation Of Damnation" which was a pretty good record. Native Blood is slightly weaker, but still amazing. Every song on the album is amazing. With "Rise Up" and "Cold Embrace" being my favourites. Sadly, there are only 9 tracks. Making it better to get the special edition. Which has 13 tracks. Including an amazing cover of Iron Maiden's "Powerslave" If you like metal, you'll love this album… Full Review »
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