Berlin thrashers, Space Chaser have been banging about since 2011 and their third LP, “Give Us Life” continues their head banging journey. Unashamedly old school, the flag for Teutonic thrash is being held high by this five-piece outfit.
They explode out of the blocks on “Remnants Of Technology”. Fast paced with a clipped urgency and heavily drum led, their influences are on display. Siegfried Rundzynski’s vocals have a real power and remind me of Bruce Dickinson in his early Iron Maiden days when he injected a snarlier edge. Early Slayer is apparent on “Juggernaut” with plenty of menace in the crunchy riff. “Cryoshock” manages to combine pure abrasive energy with some melodic, widdly lead guitar work and there is no let-up in the pace.
The band never strays the course but manages some punchy moments on tracks like “Burn Them All”. A chaotic opening burst leads to a smack in the chops and is a focussed aural attack. Matthias Scheurer’s drumming feels very much at the forefront throughout and is a definite driver in the same way Dave Lombardo steered Slayer. There’s nothing in the way of self-indulgence. Most tracks clock in under four minutes until the album closer “Dark Descent” which is their more epic sounding finale. Meaty riffs combine with melody and show a band that is tight and well drilled in their craft.
While there is nothing Earth shatteringly ground breaking on this album, anyone wanting to indulge in some old school thrashing German style will be quite happy with this release. Sometimes you just want it straight ahead, heavy and fast with no fuss. On that basis Space Chaser deliver in spades.
(8/10 Johnny Zed)
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