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
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