Hitting the world in 1989, Netherlands wrecking crew Dead Head have consistently delivered aggressive, classic thrash metal. Starting life in an era that dropped the big names, they’ve continued to fly the flag for extreme music and with “Slave Driver”, their seventh full length, they’re not taking the foot off the accelerator.
Kreator styled fury explodes into life on “Acolyte” with its roaring sea of bile and anger. The opening blast gives way to a lower, thumping riff that has sinister written all over it while Ralph de Boers guttural vocals have a very real venom. Tilting towards chaotic hardcore on “Grim Side Valley”, the twisted guitar breaks would surely impress Mssrs Hanneman and King. When the groove comes in it’s completely irresistible and we could well be back in the 80’s heyday. Indeed, guitarists Robbie Woning and Ronnie Vanderwey are a tightly locked unit delivering spiky and urgent riffs. A doomier sound on “Down Into The Wire” dips it’s toe into “Seasons In The Abyss” Slayer territory.
The clattering drum attack from Hans Spijker on “Polar Vortex” sounds like Dave Lombardo setting up a mid-song groove before unleashing the next aural onslaught. A raw, spitting riff on “Grooves Of Envy” highlights the natural aggression in the band’s sound. A sinister chuckle greets “Parabellum” and briefly enters NWOBHM Iron Maiden territory on speed. The almost mechanical riffing on “Fear Scraper” makes for one the album’s high points and adds to the edginess before closing track “Horrors Of Hades”. Like a stream of blows to the head and stabbed with psychotic guitar breaks, it pretty much encapsulates what the band and this album is about.
Anyone into classic era thrash really needs to give “Slave Driver” an outing. A guaranteed pit-starter of an album, one can only imagine the energy at a Dead Head gig. This band still sound aggressive and vital all these years in. Bang your head!
(8/10 Johnny Zed)
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