This British thrash band dropped this EP back in March, and I am just now catching up with them. They set themselves apart from thrash revival bands by blending some of the darker corners of the genre that it evolved into by the time the 90s rolled around. Pre-nu-metal leaning Prong can be heard in the thunderous syncopation they lock into. There is also ample hardcore influence they ride the line between in a very organic manner. The vocals howl in a baritone bark. They have a dark and commanding groove that moves them on the opening track. They do not forget to keep things at a head-banging tempo while not dumbing it down.
There is a very deliberate chug to "228". I appreciate the restraint they use as they never pour on the speed and forsake the purpose of the song, making this catchier. While I can hear the influence of both S.O.D and Sepultura here, there is never a sense of nostalgia like they are paying homage to an era. Instead of trying to capture a retro sound, their energy has been invested in focusing on songwriting. The guitar solo on this song is very melodic and provides depth rather than just spastic chaos. "Johnny Volcano" finds them getting even more melodic, as an eerie atmosphere precedes the more bludgeoning crunch that recalls post-"Seasons" Slayer. The vocals remind me a little more of Integrity here. In the closing moments of the song, the vocals are sung rather than bellowed.
They close this album out with the emphasis on groove. It reminds me of the mid-90s when the rising tide of bands like Korn caused the old guard to pivot in order to remain relevant. Clearly, it's an era of metal that was enduring. The riff shifts at the end to pound the point home memorably. These guys excelled at being true to the genre, while doing their own thing and crafting some catchy tunes that hold up against the thrash bands of both today and the golden years of the genre. I will give this a 9.5 and see how it grows on me, so highly recommended to fans of the genre looking for something new rather than jsut reheating leftovers like a band like Municipal Waste tends to do. Should appeal to fans of Sacred Reich and Power Trip in equal measure.
pst299
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