Ipswich thrashers Elimination have charged back onto the UK Metal scene with a new line up for their latest release, the 6-track Ep “Of Gods And Beasts”, a release which features 3 studio recordings and 3 live tracks. For some reason, the disc I received only had the studio tracks on, but the full 6 track release is available digitally from the usual sources (bandcamp, facebook etc) so the review will be focused solely on the content of the 3 studio recorded tracks.
The band, having formed in 2007 have three releases to their name already and they have supported a fine offering of thrash and metal bands such as Gama Bomb, Wolf, Evile and Accept. After some time out and a line-up shuffle, the band are back again and this EP is the appetiser for what promises to be an exciting full length release which hopefully follows in the next year or two! If that statement alone didn’t fully clarify my take on the three tracks I have heard, then this statement will – it’s damn good thrash!
There are a whole host of influences in the band’s sound. The big names are there – Slayer, MegaDave, Testament and Exodus all feature prominently with the sound, delivery and feel, but bands like Death also creep in with the exotic flair found in some of the leads and voicing’s of passages and melodies. Hard hitting and aggressive, raw and stupidly fast, it’s a concentrated dose of UK thrash which pays its dues to the forefathers and big names of the genre whilst striking out on its own.
“In The Name Of Violence” is one of the fastest tracks I’ve had the pleasure of listening to so far this year. Furiously paced, loaded with intensity and venom, it’s a massive statement of intent and the perfect way to open a release, album or EP! Heavy Kerry King styled whammy bar abuse litters the track and the frantic pacing just adds to the sheer intensity of it all. Snarled vocals in the verse are delivered with bite and the classic gang vocal tricks surface in the chorus to add that extra kick of energy to it, not that it’s needed as the track is energetic enough as it stands! A slower paced crushing breakdown consisting of heavy, thundering chugs paves the way for a full on shred assault which just cuts loose and kicks things back into gear for the final run of a breakneck pace verse into chorus to finish it up.
“The Return” opts for a more groove orientated approach instead of the break-neck pace riff attack. The pounding intro gives way to some cutting thrash chugs and as the verse riff loops through, more melodic hints are added to the progression along with a melodic lead section which helps add in more substance and structure for the slightly dialled back vocals which still pack a punch but aren’t as aggressively delivered. Overall, the track is less intense than its predecessor, but as it kicks into the mid-section of the track, the riff structure changes up and then from round the 2:35 point, we are treated to a sublime display of 1-2 trade off shred soloing which is undoubtedly the best moment of the three tracks. Re-enforcing this, the rhythm section beneath the virtuoso display is solid as hell and keeps everything from spilling out into a chaotic mess and the final loop of the track just rounds it off nicely.
If the first two tracks didn’t set things up to for an expectation of a big finish, then “What Have I Done?” could be considered the anti-climactic closing track. Musically, it is solid. Chaotic and energetic, it feels like it is a living entity which is trying to break free, lashing out with wild lead guitar fills and pushing with force in the sustained choruses, but vocally it’s erratic. Snarls and shouts litter the verses with a call and response style delivery and when this is combined with the wild lead guitar fills and riffs, it gets a little too hectic and there is a bit too much going on in places which hinders the track as there are some great melodic sequences in the chaotic music on offer.
In all, the three studio tracks offered are a good selection. They showcase the band’s versatility with regards to the thrashier end of the metal spectrum and they each sound distinctly different to each other, a variety which was no doubt intentional on the band’s part. Whilst the final studio track could have been stronger by virtue of being less chaotic, the first two tracks are fantastic and they alone have helped cement Elimination on my ‘watch out for future releases’ list! Short, sharp and to the point, it’s a good dose of thrash, one which sadly wasn’t long enough.
(7/10 Fraggle)
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