This is the debut album by the thrash quartet from Essex, and a pretty refined debut at that. Consisting of Niall Byrne (Vocals/Guitars), Josh Birch (Bass), Mike Davies (Guitar) and Jordan Maze (Drums), the band was formed in 2020 and appear to be making the most of their unbridled energy and enthusiasm.
“Intro” is just that. With the sounds of blaring sirens and gunfire to go with plenty of shouting before a demonic voice ushers in the melodic riff of “One By One” that chugs along nicely to a steady drum beat that’s eventually accompanied by a rather abrasive and hoarse vocal that’s bordering on shouted. The tempo never gets terribly fast, even when the lead break is being played at full pelt.
Considerably faster is “You Ain’t Nobody”, where the kick drum is a ceaseless rumble and the catchy chorus has you signing along cos somehow you slip into what feels like an old song that has a similar refrain but completely different lyrics.
The chunkier guitar on “Supression” suits the slightly slower pace making the song heavier, as do the harsher growls that go with the regular vocals, the bass also cuts through nicely when everything else quietens down to allow for a solo before building back up to fade out.
I really like the melody used on “Resist Control”, as it set you up for the attack which comes in with full force, that I’m certain shall get many a most pit churning when they hit the stage with this song.
“Disposable Crown” keeps the energy high, in fact it actually raises the bar with a bit of a Nuclear Assault venom to the delivery, and even when it drops into a bluesy groove to the lead break it retains a feel for its underlying aggression.
Opening with a lead break that’s followed by a quick bass fill, “Dying to Be Liked” has a heady drum pattern that is easy to lose yourself in as the chanted vocals march on behind it and the guitars.
The mid-tempoed “Unified Strength” has a great groove to it that has you either tapping your foot or banging your head as the snare is pounded into oblivion.
The album ends with “Run Your Mouth” where the guitars and drums kick up a storm for the vocals to roar over, before slowing down completely to let the lead guitar noodle gently as the song winds down completely.
Filled with energy and with some thought-provoking ideas, the album shows that thrash is as strong as ever.
(8/10 Marco Gaminara)
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