San Francisco Bay Area metal icons Testament have dropped their latest single, “Shadow People”, the second track to be released from their highly anticipated album Para Bellum. The full album will be available on October 10 through Nuclear Blast Records.
“Shadow People” delivers a haunting, groove-heavy sound that creates an eerie sense of dread both lyrically and musically, making listeners feel as though something unseen is lurking close behind. The official animated video for the track, produced by Freakshot Films, has also been released.
When Para Bellum was first announced in August, Testament accompanied the news with a music video for the lead single “Infanticide A.I.”, directed by Joey Durango.
Guitarist Eric Peterson spoke about the song’s inspiration, saying: “When we wrote the song, I think it was like 12 at night and we were done for the day for jamming, and Chris [Testament drummer] was at the house and we were watching [the 2023 horror film] Evil Dead Rise. And just within a half hour, I’m, like, ‘Come on. We’re going downstairs.’ And just the imagery of that.”
Drummer Chris Dovas added: “It just inspired us. We’re, like, ‘We’re gonna go down and write some evil music. Come on, let’s go.’ I think we were drinking some Jägermeister or something like that. And, yeah, I don’t know. We were just up really late. It was one of those nights where we were up till two, three in the morning just jamming, and it was kind of how that song was born.”
Eric continued: “I think a lot of movies, for me, visually, horror movies, I think that inspires me to write music.”
Bassist Steve DiGiorgio also commented on the track, saying, “I always knew that was a strong one right out of the gate. I had a feeling it would be considered probably a single or a title track.”
The title Para Bellum, derived from the Latin phrase “Si vis pacem, para bellum” — which translates to “If you want peace, prepare for war” — sets the tone for the album. This fourteenth studio record serves as both a call to arms and a reflection on humanity’s complicated relationship with its own creations. As technology rapidly advances and society grows more disconnected, Testament channels the chaos of the modern world into sharp, urgent, and deeply human thrash metal.
The band’s core duo, Eric Peterson and Chuck Billy, lead the charge with a record that flows seamlessly from track to track. Each song has its own identity — varied in structure, atmosphere, and tone — yet they come together like puzzle pieces to create a cohesive whole. From the unsettling grooves of “Shadow People” to the relentless speed of I”nfanticide A.I.”, the album explores themes of technological overreach, supernatural forces, generational collapse, and conflicts reminiscent of an old Western showdown, especially on the The Gathering-style track “High Noon”.
Billy joked about the high-energy performances on the record, saying: “Who’s the fastest? It sounds like there is about to be a draw.” The album moves fluidly between intense thrash riffs and eerie, melodic moments, with Billy showcasing his range — from clean chanting to guttural roars and haunting whispers.
For longtime Testament fans, Para Bellum offers a rare treat: the band’s first ballad in years. The track, “Meant To Be”, blends seamlessly into the album’s overall tone while offering a moment of introspection.
“I love how the song takes off at the end and just doesn’t look back,” Peterson shared. “It’s different, but it fits. It’s like a breath of fresh air.”
The song also features real orchestral strings performed by world-renowned cellist Dave Eggar, marking another first for the band.
One of the most significant changes for Testament on this record is the addition of drummer Chris Dovas, whose speed and precision have given the band a new level of energy. Peterson praised Dovas, saying, “He’s so inspired and quick to throw ideas back.”
Dovas, who worked closely with Peterson during the writing process, brought a dynamic edge to the music, helping to shape song structures and inject fresh ideas. His influence can especially be heard on tracks like “Infanticide A.I.” and “For The Love Of Pain”, which merge classic thrash with darker black metal-inspired elements.
“Eric and I have a lot of similar influences,” Dovas said. “We worked really closely on this album and had a great time.”
Alongside Peterson’s vision, guitarist Alex Skolnick continues to push boundaries while honoring the band’s history. “This album captures many different sides of the band through the years, along with some fresh new sounds,” Skolnick noted. “There’s a little something for everyone. You will not be disappointed.”
Bassist Steve DiGiorgio remains a key force in the band’s sound, with his intricate basslines locking in tightly with Dovas’s expressive drumming. Meanwhile, Chuck Billy took the lead on the album’s lyrical direction, with help from longtime collaborator Del James and others. The result is a mix of supernatural storytelling, social commentary, and apocalyptic themes.
Recorded with producer Juan Urteaga and mixed for the first time by Jens Bogren, Para Bellum delivers a polished yet intense sound. The striking cover art, created by Eliran Kantor, depicts a serene angel made of missiles surrounded by cult-like figures with books strapped to their faces. It serves as a visual metaphor for blind faith and self-destruction — a poignant contrast to today’s A.I.-driven art trends, as Kantor’s work was crafted entirely by hand.
With Para Bellum, Testament delivers a record forged in chaos but built to stand the test of time, offering fans both nostalgia and innovation in one powerful package.
Pre-order or pre-save Para Bellum on the format of your choice here.
