Photo Credit: Fred Kowalo
TESTAMENT’s New Album: Para Bellum
Bay Area thrash metal legends TESTAMENT are poised to unleash their highly anticipated fourteenth studio album, Para Bellum, on October 10th via Nuclear Blast Records. This album serves as both a battle cry and a reflection on humanity’s fraught relationship with technology. As the pace of life accelerates and personal connections diminish, Para Bellum captures the chaos of modern existence through music that is urgent, sharp, and profoundly human.
First Single Release: ‘Infanticide A.I.’
In a bold move, TESTAMENT has released one of their most intense tracks to date, titled ‘Infanticide A.I.’. Featuring the blistering speed of their new drummer, Chris Dovas, this track showcases the band’s exceptional musical prowess, pushing beyond their established boundaries. Fans can watch the official music video for ‘Infanticide A.I.’, directed by Joey Durango, here: youtu.be/Gtw3lcQvyPU.
Artist Insights
Chuck Billy’s Take
Chuck Billy, the band’s frontman, expressed excitement about the new album, stating, “Para Bellum consists of some fast, heavy, and melodic tunes. Once again, Peterson has found a way to keep the songwriting fresh and modern sounding. It’s gonna be hard to choose what songs to play live because there are so many to choose from.”
Eric Peterson’s Perspective
Eric Peterson added, “It’s been 5 years since our last record Titans Of Creation was released. Since then, we were all eager to get back to work, and we did so in a big way! Now our long-overdue new record Para Bellum is about to be released in October. We are super stoked and excited to share new blood and fury with you all! With our first single ‘Infanticide A.I.’, we’re coming out swinging with new velocities of fury while maintaining the balance we all love from a TESTAMENT track—enjoy!”
Album Details and Pre-Order Information
Fans can pre-order or pre-save Para Bellum in various formats, including:
- CD Jewel with a 20-page booklet
- Gold Cassette (Limited Exclusive)
- 2 LP Gatefold with a 16-page booklet available in various exclusive colors
- Para Bellum T-shirt
Tracklisting for Para Bellum is as follows:
- For the Love of Pain
- Infanticide A.I.
- Shadow People
- Meant to Be
- High Noon
- Witch Hunt
- Nature of the Beast
- Room 117
- Havana Syndrome
- Para Bellum
Production and Artwork
Para Bellum was recorded with renowned producer Juan Urteaga and mixed by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios. The album has been polished to perfection and is set to operate at full throttle. The album artwork, created by Eliran Kantor, stands out in a time when AI-generated images dominate. It features a serene angel depicted with missiles, an explosion forming a halo, surrounded by cultists bearing books strapped to their faces, encapsulating the album’s essence.
Conclusion
Para Bellum is more than just an album; it’s a testament to the resilience and creativity of TESTAMENT as they navigate through the chaos of modern life. This album, crafted in turmoil, is designed to endure the challenges of the future and is sure to resonate with fans old and new.
Upcoming Tour Dates
TESTAMENT will embark on a tour following the album release, with dates including:
- Latin America Tour: August 21-24, 2025
- US Festivals: September 21 – October 3, 2025
- European Tour: October 5-26, 2025
Band Members
TESTAMENT consists of:
- Chuck Billy | Vocals
- Eric Peterson | Guitar
- Alex Skolnick | Guitar
- Steve DiGiorgio | Bass
- Chris Dovas | Drums
FAQs
When will Para Bellum be released?
The album is set to be released on October 10, 2025.
What is the first single from the album?
The first single is titled ‘Infanticide A.I.’ and is available for streaming now.
How can I pre-order Para Bellum?
You can pre-order the album in various formats via the official TESTAMENT website or major music retailers.
Where can I watch the music video for ‘Infanticide A.I.’?
The music video can be viewed on YouTube at this link.
