Denmark’s seasoned thrashers ae back with their tenth album (did you spot the clue!) and after a series of high quality releases over the past few years, ‘X’ is what you would come to expect of the modern Artillery sound.
The vocals are always immense and powerful, thrash with a real singer, it’s always great to hear range and expression which is crystal clear. Artillery always have a knack for melody, a key feature perfectly represented here on this release. Of course this release isn’t without sadness as Morten Stützer passed away a couple of years ago, Michael’s brother and major influence in the development of Artillery’s sound. New guitarist Kræn Meier is more than up to the task though. There are a couple of tracks that might be more thought provoking, but overall the lyrical themes of social injustice, corruption and personal struggles remain true to their beliefs. If you listen to the lyrics of ‘Beggars on Black Suits’, well, the title says it all doesn’t it. Everyone wants a piece and it doesn’t necessarily filter to those most in need. ‘The Ghost of Me’ is one of the thought-provoking songs I mentioned earlier…it starts like a typical Scorpions ballad, and the vocals actually sound similar in tone. When the chorus kicks in there is a great sense of ambience and space, it’s a touch rowdier here. Its clear, precise and maintains momentum throughout the track and I would have thought a more general track to release as a lead single to gain more of a broader fanbase hooked.
‘In Thrash We Trust’ is as expected by the title, anthemic, melodic with some great powerhouse riffing and drums. Artillery shows more depth on this album and go for a straight metal outing with ‘Turn Up the Rage’, again, it has a rousing chorus. ‘Silver Cross’ has a much more groove metal start with a in depth mix, eventually it thrashes back to life and you have another stellar song. ‘In Your Mind’ has been released as a video, here it’s a touch less dramatic, more groove, I supposed a bit like mid-90’s Overkill and Forbidden, but replenishes itself with an absolutely ripping guitar solo. It all gets what I call bouncy thrash with ‘Eternal Night’, this has a good happy feeling, rather than the groove of some earlier numbers.
Artillery are all about melodic thrash, with the quality these simply keep on producing, is comforting. You know what you are going to get. That said, as I have indicated, there are a couple of songs that have expanded their musical vision, and that hasn’t been to the detriment of the expected thrash master tracks that exist in in parallel. It may not be as “hard” as some of their more recent releases, but, the song arrangements and structures are very classy with a production that some bands only dream of.
(8/10 Paul Maddison)
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