Five years ago I reviewed Proliferation and ended my 8/10 critique with “Fast loud and Rude” a nod to Vic Rattlehead and 80’s thrash. Somehow 2017’s “Extinction” passed me by – I think I played some singles on the radio.
So, it is with a grin on my face that I delve into the latest splash of thrash from the Melbournites.
The cover sets the scene. A steel globe sits ruined in a destroyed fountain as primordial creatures move towards it through pink water. A tank lies in ruins next to a bomb-damaged building. This is Ed Repka territory – although the execution is a little sloppy – which helps to fire a volley of identifiers at any would be purchaser.
This album is the start of a new era for Harlott after the first three albums which they saw as a trilogy. This time around vocalist/guitarist Andrew Hudson is choosing to concentrate on the aftermath of mankind’s destruction and also to channel personal grief that he suffered in recent years. This is not beer drinking pizza party thrash, but then neither is it progressive doom-laden fayre either.
If you like Harlott or Havok then you are gonna dig this record. It is foot to the floor classic thrash from the get go. “As We Breach” and “Idol Minded” are Slayersesque ragers that have crazy pit moves coursing through their DNA.
This is what I had expected and I am not disappointed. “Bring On the War” is a slower chunky rolling tank track of a song with a pummelling drum beat forcing the combatants forward, bloody great chorus too. A real sing long anthem that leads onto the furious title track which has a bit of a crossover buzz about it. Some Anthrax like fast riffing there.
“Prime Evil” is a mid-paced thrasher that keeps the blood pumping before “Nemesis” which has a very different feel . Yes it is a hi topped classic thrash sounding song but it has a really epic feel. It reminds me of Testament – the riffs are aggressive and the rhythm guitar has real and Hudson spits his lyrics like Chuck Billy. Add in some Maiden style gallops and power metal leads and this has metal classic branded on it. At nearly 8 minutes it is the tooth shredding filling in this giant metallic thrash bap (cob or barm depending on your geography).
The rest of the album is back to the rapid riff assault – “Slaughter” is a new wave of thrash style, foaming shark attack water maelstrom whilst “Grief” is a slower NYHC stompalong with hints of Voivod and “Miserere of the Dead” has more of the Testament chug and melody that I mentioned elsewhere and again is a long un this time with acoustic passages. If this and Nemesis hint at a new direction for Harlott then I am pretty excited. The change of pace showcases the great musicianship of the band and their ability to structure their songs in an exciting and engaging way.
The final track “The Time to Kill is Now” is furiously fast, punchy and punky as fuck with crazy spiralling solos. A completely breathless ending for a really good album. Even some grindy blasts in there!
Harlott have stepped up to the plate and whilst perhaps not hitting a home run have certainly got to third base with this album
(8/10 Matt Mason)
Leave a Reply