Hidden Intent-Demo 2012 (Mastered Version)

Self-Release
2012



Never mind vomit-inducting line "You had me at hello" as these 3 guys had me at "influenced by Slayer, Megadeth, Coroner, etc." Anytime you've got a band that lists those bands (as well as Annihilator and Sacred Reich) as their influences then you know their heart is in the right place! Formed in early 2011 by bassist/vocalist Chris McEwen (Abyzmal, Troops of Doom, Obsidian Aspect, Beyond Mortal Dreams) and guitarist Phil Bennett (Desert Eagle, Metallica Black Album Tribute, Iron Maiden Tribute), Hidden Intent set out to craft a "old school thrash sound mixed with elements of groove and darkness". Soon enough the pair were able to enlist another fellow-minded thrash enthusiast (drummer Jay Rahaley of Blood Mason & Treachery) and, after tossing about a variety of band names, Hidden Intent were soon thrashing their way happily down the road. What this Adelaide, South Australia-based band might lack in originality (quite honestly they sound a lot like a more thrash oriented version of Scared Reich)  they more then make up in youthful enthusiasm. Hidden Intent play a form of thrash metal that isn't so much retro in it's approach. Instead this band sounds as if it was plucked right out of the late eighties/early nineties and deposited in 2012. If someone were to have given me this album and then told me it was a uncovered/dusted off demo from WAY BACK WHEN I  most likely would have believed them. I guess it really could be called retro in that sense. Even if the demo is a "Mastered Version" it sounds as if it was recorded with yesterday's studio equipment. Personally that is a big part of the appeal for me. I often say how much I miss the old days and thrash metal's once glorious scene so Hidden Intent are a really nice treat for someone like me. I mean they have a song called "Good Friday Thrash" so how can you not appreciate that? Since thrash is back in (in a retro kind of way) it is possible that, with a little bit of luck and some hard work, Hidden Intent could get caught up in the movement and find themselves staring at a record contract. Truthfully, they do need a bit of work as the edges are a bit dull and the overall product needs to be tightened up some. But, the foundation is there as is the talent. Hopefully they'll stick to their guns, work on being a tad bit more original and keep on keeping on as they do show a lot of promise and they do play with heavy metal passion.

 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hidden-Intent/181391271911581

 http://www.reverbnation.com/hiddenintentofficial

http://hiddenintent.bandcamp.com/album/demo-2012-mastered-version