Twenty one years into their career, much loved Irish thrashers Gama Bomb deliver their eighth sonic explosion in the shape of “Bats”. Vocalist and guitarist Domo Dixon has taken the reigns and handled the production, mixing and mastering for the first time. Staying true to the band’s style they have nonetheless recruited a couple of guests and have managed a freshness as they mark another chapter in their history.
The introductory sound bite “Prologue Under The Pyramids has a suitable kitsch B horror quality before a Middle Eastern styled opening melody launches staccato riffage on “Egyptron”. Hip hip artist The Egyptian Lover makes a guest appearance on what is a pacy and infectious opening blast. Taking a mixture of “Reign In Blood” era Slayer and a healthy dose of Anthrax, “Living Dead In Beverly Hills” is a mosh pit inducing thrash attack. The actual riff to “Reigning Blood” makes an appearance and already you know this is going to be a solid album.
The riffs are taut and spiky on tracks like “Rusted Gold” and “Materialize” with that Anthrax influence hanging heavy in both musical style and vocal delivery. Joey Belladonna inspired screams and gang chants galore make for head banging heaven. None of these tracks are overblown with many clocking in at little longer than three minutes. “Don’t Get Your Hair Cut” is a frenetic, punk fuelled ripper before a slightly melodic turn on “Dreamstealer” which has more of a late ‘80’s Iron Maiden feel along with that familiar galloping style on “Secular Saw”. The clattering, Judas Priest styled blast of closing track “Bats In Your Hair” is pure killer as the search for the inner Rob Halford vocals screech away over some unexpected squawking sax.
Gama Bomb deliver. “Bats” is simply an all out thrash rager full of old school hooks yet still managing to have a freshness to it. There’s a certain comfort in the knowledge that bands like this still exist; no messing about and just all passion and fun. The ‘60’s pop art styled artwork is a brilliant reflection of what’s on offer musically. Simply put, this is one to crank hard for a head banging good time.
(7.5/10 Johnny Zed)
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