1986 feels like an eternity ago. That’s when Evildead made their mark on the world. Two albums, an EP and six years later, they were no more. A reunion in 2009 came and went, ending in 2012 but it wasn’t until 2016 that this new line up came together for a series of live dates and here we now have a new album from the band.

The opening blasts set the template. Straightforward, aggressive riffs in the style of very early Slayer punch though on “The Descending”. Heavily politicised lyrics delivered in a clipped, very clear vocal make sure the message cannot be lost. Spiky, nasty sounding riffs permeate tracks like “Greenhouse”. The band lean on the dangerous sounding grind of Slayer with the opening strains of “Reign In Blood” coming through on “Without A Cause”. Phil Flores caustic vocals continue to deliver a not so pretty sermon of the world’s evils.

There’s little deviation from a tried and tested course. That’s no criticism – tracks like “Blasphemy Devine” keep the straight down head banging goodness coming at full throttle with the finger this time pointing at religion. ”A.O.P/War Dance” has a deliciously nasty riff bringing Entombed A.D. to mind with melodic lead guitar chiming in over the top with a Maiden-esque feel. With an album running time of under 40 minutes there’s no room to breathe and certainly no filler tracks.

Having started life in the halcyon days of thrash, Evildead carry that torch onwards. This is a wonderfully aggressive album full of angst and rage. Rooted in that golden age but fresh for our current times, this is a raging album that will be lapped up by fans of the genre.

(8/10 Johnny Zed)

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