What does it take to reclaim past glory? Testament are trying to answer that question with The Formation of Damnation. The band, which was one of the pioneers of the Bay Area thrash-metal scene along with groups like Exodus and Metallica, has not released an album of new studio material since 1999. Since then, most of the classic lineup has gotten back together and raised expectations through the roof for the new album.

Children of Bodom have been all over the metal spectrum throughout their career. The Finnish sensations have been classified as everything from power metal to black metal to death metal. Blooddrunk, however, finds them pretty firmly entrenched in thrash-metal mode. Frontman Alexi Laiho had stated in an interview several months ago that the new stuff would be thrashy with some progressive influence thrown in for good measure. It turns out that he was spot on in his diagnosis.

In Flames have been a source of argument among metalheads in recent years. Many accuse the band of having taken their music in a more commercial direction while others argue that their changes are part of a natural progression. A Sense of Purpose probably won't convince the naysayers -- older fans of the band who abandoned them post-Colony likely won't be lured back -- but those who enjoy In Flames' more recent material will probably adore the new LP.