Pushing Back Darkness

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 it's 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 it's 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 it's 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 it's 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.