This band based in Germany (originally Greece) are not a familiar one to me. However, having spent time with this release and their earlier albums (debut dates back to 1985), I can safely say that I have been missing out. The band are a heavy amalgamation of speed and Teutonic thrash, there is a death tag but I feel that is quite thin and not applicable here. The production is damn heavy here; some bands try a heavier sound these days and it sounds too modern. Flames have nailed it though; a perfect representation and retaining a classic speed metal feel. The artwork style continues as per previous album covers and the visual of a real painting, created by Wyrmwalk (Iron Age, Morgal Blade etc).

Of the many bands that figure by comparison, Paradox, Risk, Kreator, Sodom and Venom spring to mind. With the opener and title track ‘Resurgence’, you can be confident that you are in for a heavy ride. The gnarl from vocalist Thomas Trampouras is immense, the same sort of power as someone like Mille Petrozza (Kreator), Charly Steinhauer (Paradox) or any classic Teutonic bands for that matter. Some bands try a heavier sound these days and it sounds too modern. Flames have nailed it though, a perfect representation and retaining a classic Teutonic metal feel. ‘Rotten Life’ bruises you, its fighting talk, its simple and effective. Classic riffing, vibrancy and controlled chaos in the solo and immense smack in the face. ‘Murder Taste’ is another monster that gives the big three Teutonic thrashers a run for their money, and perhaps a kick up the arse. ‘Yourself Unknown’ is slower, I suppose like the UK’s own Xentrix. Still a rage, this is just more subtle. ‘Mercy Denied’ has groovier (like the US scene) heaviness and a head banger of ever there was one.

‘Crawl Beyond’ is a touch more “riffy”, and these are cool riffs. There is some rabid drum work; it is a track for pure adrenaline junkies. I’m not keen on the spoken word bit, but everything else hits the mark. F*ck me – what a solo. This is some hyperactive thrash; I did not expect this to be fair. Well done people, you have really surprised me here!

For anyone remotely claiming to be a fan of thrash on the German vein, you really need to check this album out. Flames are for me, genuine leaders of the usual Teutonic thrash pack.

(9/10 Paul Maddison)

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https://flamesband.bandcamp.com