These old school thrash lords from Preston have been on the UK underground scene since the mid-nineties. Having earned a reputation for delivering uncompromising, undiluted work for this genre, “The Diseased Heart Of Society” represents another important chapter in the band’s history.
Living in an era where multiple sub-genres continue to pop up, there’s always something satisfying about a band that stays true to its’ roots and influences. Managing to sound fresh in the process will, of course always be the challenge. What we have then, is something that immediately makes you feel satisfied – no pretence, no messing about.
A sullen, reflective Metallica style intro explodes into the full on, militaristic stomp of “Wait”, proving straight away that these boys have a point to make. The opening statements are tight and powerful continuing into the rage of “Trigger Point Atrocity”. Everything that you expect is here – choppy, galloping riffs and loads of widdly, melodic guitar solos courtesy of Andy Mellor.
Vocally, Richard Sherrington has a little bit of a punkish Paul Di’Anno snarl that compliments the straightforward lyrics which offer up fair condemnation of the state of today’s world and its authorities. This style dominates much of the first half of the album until we get to “Unidentified”, when there feels to be an extra little kick along. Suddenly, we are getting sub-three minute assaults with complete frenzy and a maelstrom of sensory bombardment mixed with Anthrax edge and Megadeth angst. The real edge though is coming from a step up in pace and vocal aggression. The groove from earlier in the album has been replaced with pure dynamic, neck breaking fury that’s pushed along by Roy Miller on drums and Pete Hewitt on bass. Culminating with the thrash orgy that is “Humanity’s Decline”, the album has gone by in a flash and is ready for a repeat play.
Anyone looking for experimentation or tangents will likely be left wanting. “The Diseased Heart Of Society” is unashamed classic thrash metal worship, completely unapologetic and with a seasoned rawness that takes you back to the heady days of the genre’s classic albums. The veterans have made their stand.
(8/10 Johnny Zed)
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