Testament-The ritual(my review)

After the four big albums nobody known that they will record a very independent album. Testament was still connecting a heavy riffs with melodic atmosphere. But here is Testament very melodic.
For someone it's not good enough but in my opinion Testament broken the wall of black age for thrash metal. They are good in that style. I love it. Yes it's not The Legacy but.
Also those excellent thrashers know to be universal.
Through it all I hear the guitars with an attractive sound, melody and Chuck voice. Chuck showed his clean singing without screams or anger. Lyrics are more fresh, simple. Testament changed the ways but not music. The ritual contains a very nice songs, melodies and solos. Here are also heavy riffs for example in "Agony".
And mainly solos by Alex Skolnick are the ornaments of this album. "Return to serenity" ranks among the best ballads by Testament.
The band tried to create something newer for their style. They recorded what they didn't repeat. It was a special age when the bands were playing slower. There is no reason to hate Testament for this album.
The ritual is an ornament in their discography.