Battlecross-Pursuit of Honor

Metal Blade Records
2011

Could it be true? Has Metal Blade Records returned to a simpler time when their roster actually included heavy metal and thrash metal bands? Not that mallcore and fashion metal nonsense? If Battlecross are any indication then maybe Metal Blade Records might just be back with an axe to grind. Born on the dead end streets of Detroit Battlecross are just the latest group of merry metalheads to yearn for the good old days of heavy metal. While crafting a potent brand of classic metal infused technical thrash would be one thing the band take it up a notch or two thanks to the near death growls of vocalist Kyle “Gumby” Gunther. With a style that is part-time death metal maniac and full time heavy metal screamer Kyle Gunther makes Battlecross seem less like a band and more like a do or die mission. Let us not overlook the twin guitars of Tony Asta and Hiran Deraniyagala though. Whether it is the Iron Maiden inspired "Push Pull Destroy" or the Slayer meets Morbid Angel of "Breaking You" these two know how to get things done. Meanwhile bassist Don Slater embodies the best of Steve Harris and drummer Mike Kreger sounds like a possessed energizer bunny (only one capable of insane double-bass drumming!). Now, what it might lack in overall originality (yes, your sure to pick up bits of not only Iron Maiden and the Slayer/Morbid Angel mash-up but also Megadeth/Testament style Bay Area thrash, Pantera, Devildriver and of course Lamb of God) it more than makes up for in intensity and sure fire headbanging ability. As such I can enthusiastically recommend this one and say good job Metal Blade Records. Thanks for putting the "metal" back in Metal Blade. Battlecross is a name I hope to hear more good things from down the road.