REVIEW: HAVOK - TIME IS UP

Firstly I have to say thrash metal used to be my favorite genre of metal. But when I get into other styles of metal i.e power,death,prog etc. I started listening to it less and less. I still love the genre a lot and when this "thrash revival" started I was happy to see a style of metal become popular. Now things have gotten out of hand. You have too many bands and it is turning into a trend. Bands like SSS, Violator etc been prime examples.

However Havok do not fall into this category. Following up on their decent debut "Burn" Havok have proceeded to show the wannabes how it is done. Helped by a very modern and impressively produced album, Havok have kicked all forms of ass on "Time Is Up"

Havok obviously play old school thrash. The specific style is hard to pin down, as they mix things up a bit. You have the early bay area type sound in there. Even with some punk influenced thrash riffs in one or two places and extremely heavy brutal thrash inspired by slayer etc.

From the opening salvo of "Prepare to Attack" you know you're in for a killer album. David Sanchez has the perfect thrash voice on this album. The two highs he displays in this song are incredible, very aggressive and with a perfect thrash edge to it. I just wish he used it in the other songs because he does not which is a shame, but not a make or break thing.

The album benefits from the variation shown you have ass kicking, high tempo, furious thrash metal neck breakers such as the opener, "D.O.A" and "Covering Fire" and mid tempo head banger's like "Scumbag In Disguise" and "Killing Tendencies". The band even display a melodic edge in the previously mentioned song "Killing Tendencies" with an almost power metal style section containing fast palm muted note progression with a melodic lead line over it. This is the highlight of the song and shows Havok are more than a one trick pony.

Overall every song delivers, a highly enjoyable album. I can't see this being beat thrash wise this year unless the new Megadeth album is as good as "Endgame" or better. We shall see, but that is for another review. If you like thrash you are going to love this simple as that. Possibly the one Thrash album from a new wave band that can stand up to the old classics of yesteryear.


4/5


/C

REVIEW: SHRAPNEL - THE DEVASTATION TO COME

From within the ancient walls of the sleepy city of Norwich, a storm is brewing. Thrash metal outfit SHRAPNEL have released a savage beast upon the world with their "The Devastation To Come" EP. Containing four tracks dripping with punishing intensity, this EP certainly has the potential to make waves in the current UK thrash scene, which plays host to some fantastic undiscovered gems and sterile "genre-revivalists" in equal measure.

The EP opens with a ferociously fast riff which is accompanied by vicious chord stabs, and when vocalist Jae venomously spits out "I am eternal war!", you can be certain that this band mean business. Opening track "Eternal War" is arguably the most impressive on the disk, with catchy vocal lines and gripping changes in pace acting as the perfect counterpart to a destructive rhythm section. The delivery of the vocals throughout the record is one of the factors that really makes it stand out, as intelligent lyrics are bellowed in an almost percussive manner, making for some very catchy chorus and verse sections. This track also plays host to the finest example of another very impressive aspect to the EP: the backing vocals which are a staple for nearly all successful thrash bands.

Track number 3, entitled "Comatose" brings a different side to Shrapnel to the forefront of the onslaught, as heavy mid-paced riffing is engulfed by haunting cleans before the final audible attack strikes. This creates an atmospheric sense of dread and showcases this band's more "evil" side. The thundering chorus screams of "catatonic comatose" certainly stick in the mind well after the record has finished and this is testament to the great song writing that is offered up by Shrapnel on this release.

The musicianship on display throughout this EP is very impressive, as the band tightly pound through song after song with razor sharp precision. The duelling guitars give more than a nod to the likes of Forbidden, as Nathan and Adam whip up a cataclysmic whirlwind of great lead work, something which complements the riffing and song structures very well. The drums and bass allow the riffs to breathe and headbang throughout, which means that the songs remain catchy at all times.

Produced by the legendary Russ Russell, this record sounds fantastic, with a production that is suitably heavy, tight and raw in appropriate measures. Modern day Exodus and Onslaught take note - this is how thrash is supposed to sound!

I have also had the pleasure of watching this band live, and they certainly don't disappoint, with their infectious grooves and pounding break-neck rhythms translating very well to the stage setting. If they come to a town near you - go and see them, you won't regret it!

To conclude, Shrapnel are a band that deserve to be firmly planted on your radar if you consider yourself a fan of thrash metal, particularly if you take an interest in the current British scene. This band are right up there with Mutant, SSS, Deceptor and Evile for me, and I for one cannot wait to hear some more material.

4.5/5

For fans of - Warbringer, Exodus, Slayer, Destruction, Kreator and Violator

/L