Blackening - Nightmare (Official Video)

Blackening is a young thrash metal that is lead by vocalist/rhythm guitarist Oliver Hayirli and has a cool style that is very similar to early Metallica. The band, which also features lead guitarist Wolfgang Hoffegger and drummer Klaus Hoffegger (Brothers? Cousins?), just welcome in a new bassist in Sebastian Köck and from the sounds of it they have a lot of original compositions worked out. One such number is "Nightmares" which you can check out below. Hopefully we'll be hearing more from the guys in Blackening seeing as this band is energetic and efficient!

Fallen Angels-World In Decay

Cyberdyne Records2015

For the uniformed, Fallen Angels is a five-piece thrash metal band that is based in Seattle,Washington and currently lead by Bradzilla (ex-Semesus, ex-Disinterment, ex-If But for One). Active since 2002 (and not to be confused with the numerous other bands that are sporting this very same moniker), Fallen Angels also includes guitarist/vocalist Erik Hanson (former live guitarist for Skelator), guitarist Matt Be Roth, bassist Carl Larsson (Sol Negro, Waking Hour, ex-Skelator, ex-Evangelist), and drummer Steve Spitzbart (former live drummer for Usurper, ex-Beltfed Weapon) with Hanson and Larsson the only original members left of the band since first forming all those years ago! The upcoming "World In Decay" is actually Fallen Angles' third full-length release and first sign of (studio) life since 2011's "Engines Of Oppression"! It was produced by Grammy award winning producer Michael Rosen (Forbidden, Testament, Death Angel, Flotsam and Jetsam, Tesla, Vicious Rumors) and this collaboration makes perfect sense once you get a proper feel for what Fallen Angels is all about. For you see this is a band that is influenced by the likes of (early) Metallica, Megadeth & Anthrax, Testament, Slayer, Forbidden, Exodus, Overkill, and Annihilator with the forty-plus minute "World In Decay" serving as the ultimate tribute to the not only the Big Four and the Bay Are scene of old, but  thrash metal's glory days in general! "World In Decay" is a dream come true for old-school thrashers like myself and if there is any album that should finally put Fallen Angels on the map then this is it! Really the only difference between Fallen Angels soon to be released classic and yesteryear's classic thrash metal is this album's production. Not that it is a bad thing or anything, but "World In Decay" has more of a modern day production feel going for it because, well, it is a modern day production! Pretty much everything and everyone comes across as clean and clear which does stand in stark contrast to the (slightly-rough) production standards normally associated with old-school thrash. But it's all cool my friends as you are going to want to hear each and every little aspect of this wicked thrash attack! Especially if you love any of the above mentioned influences or bands like Death Angel, Lääz Rockit, Evildead, Atrophy, Whiplash or Xentrix. Officially due to drop on August 4th, "World In Decay" is one of the best thrash metal albums that I have heard in long time. As such I not only want to recommend it to our readers, but I want to add a big thank you to Asher Media Relations for sending it my way! You can check out the group's video for the gnarly "World In Decay" track (and the disc's first single!) "Nightmare" below and then be sure to head over to the group's Facebook page so that you can keep up to date with what just might end up being one of your new favorite thrash metal bands!

The Ghost Next Door-The Ghost Next Door

Mausoleum Records
2015

The Ghost Next Door is a California four-piece that features former Skinlab member Gary Wendt* within it's ranks. The self-titled "The Ghost Next Door" is the long-awaited debut album from this reformed and restrengthened quartet whose long list of influences range from the likes of Rush, Tool and Pink Floyd to bands such as Alice In Chains, Metallica and Machine Head. In addition to Gary Wendt (vocals and guitars) this Berkley-based group features Aaron Asghari on guitar, Seanan Gridley on bass, and Paula Sisson on drums and on the band's new album they blend together elements as diverse as post-rock and Bay Area thrash! With a sound that is as spooky as the album's artwork and the band's name** suggests, "The Ghost Next Door" actually played out well for everyone within earshot of the promo's initial streaming. While I loved the album's overall heaviness and it's adventurous take on melancholy metal the teenagers that dwell within my household were drawn to it's riff-rock underbelly and the post-grunge/nineties alternative rock construction job that held it all together. Each and everyone of us took something unique away from the music of The Ghost Next Door and even though they might have been vastly different experiences they were all distinctly positive. For all that I have in common with these teens musically (a shared love for eighties rock for example) it should nonetheless be mentioned that the kids and I have vastly different tastes when it comes to today's music scene. So the fact that we can all agree upon something like "The Ghost Next Door" is amazing! But, when you have this cool alternative heavy metal/thrash/modern metal band that is drawing from everyone from Catherine Wheel to Jane's Addiction to Iron Maiden, Randy Rhodes and then even Killing Joke it does make sense how we can all find something to love about this release!! Such diversity on the part of The Ghost Next Door is far from accidental. Each and every member of this Berkley-based band brings something different to the party. Or as the band's Facebook page puts it: "Each member brings unique influences from across the modern music spectrum: from punk to jazz, progressive metal to sadcore, modern rock to thrash. Their influences and playing styles combine into meter-bending, riff-driven rock & roll breaking out from under the bare skin of abrasively honest lyrics". All of which makes this clever album a easy thing to recommend. Need a little extra encouragement? Well, be sure to check out the official video for "Eleven O' Clock Blues" then! You can thank me later!!!!

 

*A founding member of  Sacrilege B.C. and Release, Gary Wendt grew up in the Bay Area and over the years this talented guitarist has developed his own unique style of playing. 

** When Gary Wendt found out that the house next door to him was supposedly haunted he decided to name his new band The Ghost Next Door.

Cyrence-The Hospital

 Self-Release/Independent
 2015

Started in 2006 as a solo project of vocalist/rhythm guitarist Tim Grathwohl (ex-Gatecrusher, ex-One More Day), Cyrence is melodic thrash metal band from Munich, Germany. Just released last month, "The Hospital" is Cyrence's first EP and it follows in the footsteps of the 2011 demo "Endtime Stories". Readily available for download on the group's bandcamp page as a name-your-own price deal, "Endtime Stories" is reportedly a concept album about a 20-year-old girl named Jesse who tries to survive in a world that has devastated by nuclear war. While it is a fair enough demo, "Endtime Stories" was only the group's first step toward perfecting their sound and it pails in comparison to what this band has accomplished on their new EP! Now rounded out by lead guitarist Dominic Millett, bassist/backing vocalist Chris Hammer (ex-As Mentioned Below, ex-Know Your Foe) and drummer Thomas Goldberg (e-Deathfear, ex-Undead Funeral), Cyrence returns with a EP chock full of top-tier thrash! Musically-speaking, Cyrence seems perfectly suited for fans of Metallica, Megadeth, Testament, Exodus and Anthrax as well as all those fans who seem to transfixed by the new wave of thrash metal. To be sure, "The Hospital" owes more to the eighties Bay Area thrash scene than it does the likes of Destruction, Sodom or Kreator. All the same Cyrence is nice and lethal and that is largely due to the combination of rhythm guitarist Tim Grathwohl's wicked voice and this band's ability to whip up thrash that is familiar in nature while assuredly unique to this Munich four-piece. With a production that is next to perfect this EP is a must for thrash fanatics and I for one cannot wait to see what Cyrence does when they are given the opportunity to record a full-length album! 

Dissorted-I

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Let's face it. We all love traditional heavy metal. It's classic and even timeless (if it's been cooked to absolute  perfection-see works by Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Accept, Riot and UFO to name just a few!) and for many of us it was our first taste of the "forbidden fruit". But sometimes you find yourself craving something more. Something heavier, faster and all around more menacing. We've all had that itch and that's where  a band like Dissorted comes into play. This German band's first EP, "I", scratches that thrash metal itch with a sound that is old-fashioned in all the right ways! First formed in 2004 and having seen their fair share of line-up changes early on, Dissorted came into their own in 2006 at which point a stable line-up had finally become reality. Having already shared the stage with bands such as Awakening Sun, Cyrence, Dust Bolt, Intöxicated, James Rivera’s Sabbath Judas Sabbath, Nator, Scavanger, Secutor, Speedbreaker, Stormhammer and Toxic Waltz (thus building up a loyal fan-base for their particularly deadly take on old-school melodic thrash!), Dissorted kills it on their first piece of studio recording! Fronted by onetime Odeon guitarist' Mirco Ebersold (aka Mirco), with the pair of Sebastian Stulz (ex-South Of Heaven) and Florian "Flo" Schadhauser complimenting Mirco's effective voice by way of fast & frenzied guitar solos that are nothing short of toxic(!), Dissorted seems as if it was costumed-built for those who simply love the classic thrash and the Bay Area scene of old! If you haven't gone into a full-out rage in awhile then  "I" will have you thrashing like a maniac like it was 1980 something all over again! And thank God for that! But, what exactly does it taste like I hear you asking? Well, this deadly-potent (it's got a high alcohol count after all!) home-brew brings to a boil the likes of Overkill, Testament, Exodus, Megadeth, "Kill 'EM All"-era Metallica, Death Angel, Whiplash, Forbidden, Rigor Mortis and Vio-lence before bottling it all up and letting it age to perfection! Just before it's ready to be consumed/thoroughly enjoyed it's uncorked and poured through a filter out of necessity so that all the unnecessary additives can be carefully removed. Said filter features some nice Iced Earth textures and modern day touches with the final (highly addictive) beverage best served pipping hot! That in a nutshell is what you end up with on "I" and yes my friends it is as deliciously drinkable as it all sounds! From one thrash metal fanatic to another this one's an absolute beast on an EP and if Dissorted's potent brand of metallic verwunderung doesn't leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside then friends I sure as hell don't know what will!

https://www.facebook.com/Dissorted
http://www.dissorted.de/

Slasher-Katharsis

Self-Release/Independent
2014  

Brazilian thrash metal? Now where have I heard that phrase before? Wasn't there that one band that used to feature the brothers Max and Igor Cavalera? Whatever became of that? All kidding aside, Slasher (who hail from Itapira, Sao Paulo and shouldn't be confused with several other metal acts that hold the same moniker) prove that there is so much more to Brazil's scene then just Sepultura. Of course most of us in the metal community already knew that, but should further proof ever be needed to persuade the naysayers just point in the general direction of this aggressive band and let the metal doing the talking for you! Active since 2008 (with "Katharsis" here serving as the second full-length studio album from this fast, frenzied and fantastically fucking furious five-piece!) Slasher (who actually bring to mind bands like Testament, Slayer and Annihilator more than Sepultura!) first made it's mark with the EP "Broken Faith". That was back in the beginning of 2009 and since then the band (with a pair of singles sandwiching the 2011 debut-album, "Pray For The Dead") has shuffled the deck some line-up wise and (going by the hellfire sounds of this Tue Madse-produced album!) emerged all the stronger! With a terrifically terrifying new lead-singer added to the line-up (Paulo Skeeter) and a pair of top-tier guitarists (Lúcio Nunes and Lucas Aldigheri) that know the ends and outs of all things awesome (technical thrash, eighties thrash, modern metal and even death thrash make up the body of work known as "Katharsis") this band could and should go far! Both albums ("Pray For The Dead" and "Katharsis") can be downloaded for free at the link below, but for a band this good you really should toss a few bucks into the coffer (if for no other reason then just so that Slasher can continue on in it's attempt to rage and pummel it's way to the top of the pile!). And really, if Slasher can keep pumping out first bangin' metal like this there's no reason to think that they will remain unsigned for that much longer! 

http://www.slasher.com.br/en/?page_id=32

Dust Bolt-Awake the Riot

Napalm Records
2014

From Munich, Bavaria (Germany) we find Dust Bolt with their second full-length release (and third over-all with the EP, "Chaos Possession" having served as the debut awakening back in 2010) since forming back in 2006. Looking over this one's art-work should give you a solid clue as to what awaits you under the covers, but if it isn't obvious enough then these German metalheads are all about thrash and nothing else! Despite hailing from Germany though Dust Bolt takes the listener of the Bay Area on more then a few occasions bring to mind everyone from German heroes like Destruction and Kreator (as well as Warrant) to American acts such as Exodus (their first three release specifically!), Death Angel and Vio-Lence. And one cannot help but thank them for taking you along on such a great trip! Everything here clicks from the vocals (tough and gruff!) to the leads (insane, Bay Are love shredding!) making the righteously furious "Awake the Riot" (due to drop here in the U.S. in June) a must-add CD if you are collector of all things thrash inspired! 

Mutank-M.E.C.H. Metal

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Everything about this release from the band name to the album title and subsequent cover art just spells out "metal" doesn't it? And sure enough this Montreal-based four-piece are metal. It just so happens that it's more along the lines of SPEED metal with some tasty crossover thrown in for all the rads, rockers, punks and bangers who remember the glory days when all the best bands had abbreviated handles that meant something (D.R.I., C.O.C., S.O.D., M.O.D., M.D.C., etc). For comparisons sake it's more that first one (D.R.I.) when they had morphed into more of a thrash metal act along with influences ranging from (later-day) Suicidal Tendencies to the "Big Four" ("Heavy Hands of the Doomsday Clock" sounding for all the world like a punk-worthy Megadeth!). Why it's only just now that I'm hearing about this mosh metal bunch is a question I have no good answer for, but this latest release from Mutank, which was released this past February, needs to be shared with all as it's just too damn sexy cool to be kept hidden under wrap! Oh, and did I mention that you can pick up this cool 8-track release on cassette tape? No? Well, I am now so what exactly are you waiting for? Snag and bag "M.E.C.H. Metal" and all will be good with your soul....

http://mutankthrash.bandcamp.com/

Ranger-Shock Skull 7"

Ektro
2014

Having graced these pages before, last summer with their "Knights of Darkness" EP serving up some real headbanging heavy metal (http://metalmark.blogspot.com/search?q=Ranger-Knights+of+Darkness+), I was stoked to find out about this 7". This time around Finland's Ranger cranks up the RIFFS, gets more then a bit LOUD, WILD and CRAZY and, in a way that brought a real sparkle to my eyes(!), unloads two metallic tracks that are for all the world like a sexy party between Venom, Iron Maiden and Megadeth!!! My only qualm remains the usual. When will we get a full-length album from this bunch and why do all the good ones always tease us with EPs and 7" singles?


MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/rangerheavymetal
www.rangerheavymetal.bandcamp.com
www.ektrorecords.com
www.soundcloud.com/ektrorecords
www.facebook.com/ektrorecords

Kayser-Read Your Enemy

Listenable Records
2014

Now three albums into a career that began in 2004, Kayser, who hail from Helsingborg, Sweden, find themselves signed to Listenable Records for what must be most certainly their strongest release to date! Having only heard Kayser on a few occasions in the past I can say in all honesty that I don't ever remember the band being this tight and finely tuned into one single goal. Then again, and mind you I'm pulling fragments of musical knowledge out of a memory that has been severely rattled by well over twenty five years of rock, metal and thrash(!), I also don't recall this lot being so "catchy". Headed up by co-founder/lead vocalist Christian "Spice" Sjöstrand (Band of Spice, ex-Aeon, ex-Spice and the RJ Band, ex-Spiritual Beggars, ex-The Mushroom River Band), and with guitarist Mattias "Swanny" Svensson (The Defaced) and drummer Bob Ruben ( Band of Spice, Inferno (XII), ex-Claustrophobia, ex-Spice and the RJ Band, ex-The Defaced (live), ex-The Mushroom River Band) left over from the band's early days, Kayser plays from the heart on "Read Your Enemy". Style-wise it comes across as somewhat traditional heavy metal in nature (Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest) as interpreted by a "supergoup" made up of members of Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax and Metallica. Heaven help me if there isn't a bit of groove* to be found within these 12-tracks as well and, thanks to the skills of  guitarists Mattias "Swanny" Svensson and Jokke Pettersson (ex-Poseidon), we're also treated to the kind of technical thrash that Metallica used to be well-known for! All told this is one fine as wine release and proof that real, in the flesh, thrash metal is still out there waiting for an audience to embrace it!

*Unlike Metallica, who are so far removed from being relevant they might as well not even exist anymore, Sweden's Kayser actually acknowledges the fact that they have a bassist, in this case it's Emil "Ewil" Sandin (ex-Poseidon, ex-Chaeostribe), and allow him to contribute to the overall picture!

Addictive-Kick 'Em Hard (Rebooted Edition)

Tribunal Records/Divebomb Records
2014

Due for release on the eleventh of next month, "Kick 'Em Hard (Rebooted Edition)" is a 2CD set that compiles EVERYTHING that eighties thrash metal band Addictive released in their career. Featuring members of Mortal Sin (among others) this Australia-based metal band first hit the scene with the 1988 demo, "Ward 74". Before long they were back in the studio for 1989's "Pity Of Man", a somewhat rough affair that comes across as a three-way fight between Germany's "Big Three" (Destruction, Sodom and Kreator), Bay Area thrash (Metallica and Megadeth primarily with some Testament, Death Angel and Exodus kicked in for good measure!) and (early) Slayer, and then, in a moment that must have seemed to be divine intervention, the band were somehow able to enlist the one and only Bob Daisley (Ozzy Osbourne, Rainbow and countless others!) to produce their sophomore output, "Kick Em' Hard"! It's actually "Kick Em' Hard" that opens up this 2CD set and with someone like bassist Bob Daisley twisting the knobs the results were (needless to say) phenomenon! Originally released in 1993, "Kick Em' Hard" is a fantastic example of (prime-time) thrash wrapped up neatly in cult packaging! With bass guitarist Greg Smith's somewhat raw (James Hetfield-like) voice up front leading the charge and kick ass guitar solos from the pair of Joe Buttigieg (ex-Mortal Sin, ex-My Therapy) and Mick Sultana (ex-Mortal Sin) the band (which, at the time of said album, also featured well-traveled drummer Steven "Stevo" Moore) treats the listener to superb thrash that is explosive and filled to overflowing with energy and sincerity! that's not to say that the rest of the material which makes up this expanded edition isn't stellar. From the group's original material to their unique take on "Crazy Train" (Ozzy Osbourne) there's very little not to appreciate about this unheralded thrash act. With a re-mastered sound courtesy of Jamie King this whole collection showcases a band that, had the scene not changed so dramatically thanks to the arrival of grunge, could have made a real splash in the thrash metal/speed metal scene. Whether they would have been as big as some of the other big names of the era (or even as well-known/appreciated as their brethren Mortal Sin) is probably open to debate, but one can't help but think that a band like Addictive could have at least given the scene a much-needed shot in the arm! With what promises to be a smashing 20 page booklet (pics, interview, etc.) this one should easily appeal to thrash metal fans of old (Megadeth, Metallica, Sodom, Testament, Mortal Sin, Slayer) while it could also serve as a fine point of reference for young, up-and-coming bands looking for fresh inspiration!

http://www.tribunalrecords.net/home/

Kill Ritual-The Eyes Of Medusa

GoldenCore Records/ZYX Music
2014

Having formed in October of 2010, with a full-length debut album entitled "The Serpentine Ritual" dropping two years later, California's thrash n' rollers (more on that in a second!) Kill Ritual have a Spring date in mind for album number two. Mixed and mastered by Steven Rice & Andy LaRocque (King Diamond), "Eyes Of Medusa", a fifty one minute or so affair with ten jam-packed crunchers(!), was produced by the band's own guitarist (that Steve Rice fellow again!) and showcases exactly want can be accomplished when you bring together veteran musicians with one singular goal in mind! Besides lead guitarist Steve Rice (ex-Imagika) Kill Ritual features ex-Dark Angel bassist Danyael "Laughing" Bear and drummer Gee Anzalone (Brain Damage). As for the lead vocalist spot? That's taken care of by one Josh "Crimson" Gibson. With no other bands listed to his credit (at least going by what's listed on the Metal Archives) maybe this guy just appeared out of time and space when Kill Ritual was in need of just the right front-man. Seems legit right? But, what about his voice? Vocals, in regards to heavy metal/thrash outfits like this act (mostly) is, are usually gruff and/or rough around the edges. Here though Kill Ritual is lead by a vocalist who sounds like he should have/could have been fronting some hard-edged sleaze act of does long past (maybe Guns N' Roses?) or even one of the thousands of 80's metal/U.S. metal bands that made the late eighties/early nineties such a cool time to be a metal fanatic! While opening number "The Eyes Of Medusa" only hints at what this Bay Area-native is capable of all bets are off once "Hair Trigger" kicks in! Hard rock thrash? Is that a new thing? The way Kill Ritual pulls it off it sure as hell seems like it! Almost sleazy, like the aforementioned Guns N' Roses or even Ratt/Skid Row, the cut takes pristine thrash and makes it over by way of eighties hard rock. No worries though. Said track, along with track number three ("Never Get Me") and track number four "Ride Into The Night", draws from some serious metal sources (Metallica, Exodus, Dark Angel, Heathen and Death Angel) even if the songs retain rock-like structures! What works on album number two for Kill Ritual is the band's ability to craft catchy and hard-driving material (some of which borders on spend metal!) full of melody that falls into this wonderful grey area where hard rock, heavy metal, thrash and speed metal all exist in peaceful coexistence. From the guitars of Steve Rice (seemingly drawing his style from Slash as much as Dave Mustaine-check out "Hair Trigger", "Weight Of The World" and "Writing On The Wall"!) to Crimson's Axl Rose-infused voice this band just clicks! New drummer Gee Anzalone (who replaced co- founder and ex-Imagika member Wayne de Vecchi) provides just the right touch and together with bassist Danyael "Laughing" Bear they keep everything in check from "The Eyes Of Medusa" all the way to (doom power metal by way of Pantera and Megadeth) "Agenda 21". Any band that can conjure up images of everyone from Megadeth to Pantera and even acts as (weirdly) diverse as King Diamond and Ugly Kid Joe are more then OK in my book! So, that begs the question then as to what doesn't work about Kill Ritual's sophomore recording. The only red flag would have to be that a few of the rock riffs come across as recycled, but it's not blatantly obvious and besides, Kill Ritual are only recycling riffs from themselves and nobody else! So it's more like "Hey, didn't I hear something similar to that bit on track x, y or z" then "Hey, didn't I hear something similar to that bit from band x, y or z"! And even then it's hard to get all worked up about it considering how much fun an album like this is to listen to! Definitely different then most of the new heavy metal and thrash acts coming down the pipeline theses days, Kill Ritual offer up new tricks for listeners searching for new sounds. If that sounds like something that you've been looking for then be sure to keep an ear out for "The Eyes Of Medusa"!
http://killritual.com/

Amok-Somewhere In The West

Witches Brew
 2013

Hailing from Glasgow, Scotland, with the fifty-three minute-plus "Somewhere In The West" serving as their second full-length album, Amok are a five-piece speed metal/thrash metal that was formed in 2004 by guitarists Calum Henderson and Greg Corlett. Between 2004 and 2007 the band, which is lead by Stephen Matulevicze (here sounding for all the world like a rougher Joey Belladonna), released a total of five demos before (initially) self-releasing their debut album "Downhill Without Breaks" in 2008. Enter Germany's Witches Brew who snagged and bagged the group before re-releasing Amok's first album in February of 2009. Fast forward some four years and finally, after what one would assume was some serious prodding from their record label, we get the ten-track "Somewhere In The West". With Keith Henderson and Matt Storry (bass and drums respectively) serving as the last-two pieces of this thrash metal puzzle Amok, whose (staring down the barrel of a gun!) sound takes it's cue from not only (early) Anthrax, but bands like Exodus, Megadeth, Toxik and Sacred Reich, tear the lid off of cuts like "Creature Of Habit", "No Faith" and "Lawbreakers" and don't ease up on the peddle until the very last notes of "Lost Generation"! Recorded between February and July of 2013 at Amok HQ, Hamilton, Scotland the album, which was originally released back in late November of last year, is filled with Anthrax-style technical thrash ("Somewhere In The West", "Creature Of Habit", ), but it also pushes the envelope towards the band's earlier years as a brutal thrash band ("Uprise", "Cover Your Tracks") making it all the more enjoyable. For sure this is one old-school speed metal/thrash metal-influenced/infused act and Amok makes no bones about where their sound comes from or where they want to take it! Dead-set on releasing heavier then hell metal Amok kicks the crap out of the modern metal scene as evident by tracks like "Sixty-Eight" and  "Make Time To Kill" (a Anthrax meets Metallica cut that simply shreds!). With the over six minutes long "Lost Generation" serving as the end credits for "Somewhere In The West", and doing it in a manor that should make fans of Bay Area thrash melt with pride, Amok has manged to unleash a beast of a release with their sophomore recording. Had I heard this one before serving up my best of 2013 list there's no doubt that it would have made the cut! If we're to talk about retro-themed metal acts then for old-school speed metal and thrash fanatics it would be hard to find a better album to recommend then this one. Definitely worth hunting down folks!

Immoral Hazard-Convulsion

Self-Released/Independent
2014

Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia is home court for Immoral Hazard. Formed in late 2009, and having previously released a six-track demo called "A Minor Innovation" in 2010, this Greek heavy metal/thrash metal band is lead by vocalist/guitarist Teo with "Convulsion" serving as their first full-length release. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Stelios "Stelth" Koslidis, with the actual production duties falling on not only Koslidis, but the band members themselves, "Convulsion" is the sound of another young band that has greatly been influenced by the mid-late eighties thrash metal scene. With physical copies due out later this year (March 9th, 2014), this ten track album, which (at least for the time being while the eager amongst us patiently await a CD copy or, better yet, a LP copy of "Convulsion"!) can be secured in digital format at the link below,  looks as if it will be used to open up new doors in regards to the possibility of playing more live shows. Speaking of playing live shows, the band has (apparently) already played alongside at least one of their chief influences in Sepultura. Musically and vocally, with lead singer Teo routinely coming across as a more pent-up and pissed-off version of Max Cavalera in his youth (the exception being a cut like "Dead End Trails" where Teo's lead vocals send this band off on a post-"Black", upward if not onward, Metallica quest!), Immoral Hazard sound as if they wore out more then a few cassette copies of some select Sepultura albums (pretty much anything and everything in Sepultura's early catalog from "Morbid Visions" to "Arise") with band's like Metallica and Slayer coming in a distant second and third respectively! Backing up Teo in Immoral Hazard is guitarist Angelos, bassist Alex and drummer Tolis and, when looked at as a heavy-handed collective, these four are spot-on in their devotion (and thus tribute) to thrash metals heyday. Mind you it's not just the music (even if "Alcowhore" sounds as if it could have been written by Metallica sometime between "Kill 'Em All" and "Ride The Lightening" and "Haven", which is just splendid in it's execution, coming off as a long-lost Slayer classic!) that gives this four-piece band such an old-school charm. No, the actual production of "Convulsion" also helps in that regard as this album feels like it could have been recorded in the late eighties! By the time the somewhat-raw "Last Nerve" (which also recalls mid-period Slayer) closes this ten track release out you could almost swear that you just had the pleasure of listening to another golden oldie from the glory days of thrash metal! Between that great service and the way in which this Greek act (nearly-flawlessly) executes the material on hand it's a win-win combination resulting in one of 2014's (early) thrash favorites! This one is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! 

https://immoralhazard.bandcamp.com/

Interview with Toxic Waltz' lead guitarist Jimi

A week ago today, January 13th, 2014 to be exact, I covered "Decades Of Pain" (link below) by Munich-based thrash metal act Toxic Waltz. Recently I had the opportunity to chat some with lead guitarist Jimi. I want to thank him for taking to time to answer a few questions for Heavy Metal time Machine. For those looking for new, top-notch and energetic, thrash metal I would strongly suggest grabbing a copy of this talented act's full-length debut album!

Andy-First off I love the name! You guys are big Exodus fans I take it huh?

Jimi-Thanks, yes of course! I already heard a few times it’s not the best decision to choose a song name as band name but I still think it suits to us because Exodus is a big influence and we have some orientation in Bay Area Thrash so you already get a bit of the idea where the journey goes when you listen to us. 

Andy-Care to give a brief rundown on how Toxic Waltz came about.

Jimi-Well, I started the band around the beginning of 2009 with our ex-drummer Tim - already with the goal to form a thrash band. After a bit of time our Bassman Rahman and our Shouter Angelo joined us. With that lineup we performed our first gig and Lenny from DUST BOLT helped us out on the second guitar. On that concert we met Alex who shortly afterwards joined the band. At the beginning of last year Tim decided to quit the band and we got lucky that we found our new drummer Flo within a few weeks.

Andy-Besides Exodus, who are of course awesome, your sound draws inspiration from the Bay Area thrash scene in general right?

Jimi-Yes, I think if you mix it up with some Bay Area bands like Forbidden & Heathen our style becomes clearer. But to claim our music is only Bay Area based is wrong I would say. We try to combine a lot of thrash elements from different bands to get our sound more unique and we don’t want to be just to be a cheap copy of something. At the end we want define our own sound.

Andy-So far who are some of the bands that you've shared the stage with?

Jimi-At first we shared the stage very often with our buddies of DUST BOLT who helped us a lot at the beginning. We also had a lot of luck that we could already share the stage on our 7th gig with Six Feet Under. Since then we also have played often with Debauchery who are very popular in Germany and also with Alpha Tiger who are also a pretty good new German band.

Andy-Prior to releasing your full-length debut album had you guys ever been in the story? Or is this your first (and so far only) recording?

Jimi-2010 we were the first time in the studio for a demo and it opened our eyes working in the studio is something completely different than playing live. We had some struggles with timing for example. For me it was a very good experience because afterwards I knew exactly where I was required to improve so I practiced very often these things. The rest of the band had a similar process also so we got a lot more tighter and better after a short time. 2011 we entered the studio for another demo and afterwards we decided the next step must be a whole album. So one year later we recorded our debut. Unfortunately the whole process until the release took quite a long because we did a lot of things after another and not parallel like caring about the cover after the record was already completely recorded.  So again we learned a lot and we are very happy it gets released soon.

Andy-How was it recording the album? Smooth sailing I hope?

Jimi-As I mentioned we prepared us very well so yes, the recording process went pretty good indeed. It was also very interesting because our friend Eric who recorded us never dealt with another thrash band so we were really excited how the final sound would be. But It think we tortured him long enough to get to the sound we wanted  - haha J

 Andy-How can readers pick up a copy of your new album?

Jimi-Right now you can write us on facebook if you want to buy our record or some merch. In the future there will be a small webshop where all our stuff can be purchased. Stay tuned for news on facebook!

Andy-What's next for you guys?

Jimi-Currently we are planning some release shows in Germany to promote our record and establish us even more as German thrash act. Also I’m writing a lot of new songs for the next album already. I think it’s important to release the second album as soon as possible after the first to be not forgotten as new band.

Andy-Famous last words? I always like to have bands have the last say!

Jimi-I want to say thank you for the interview and the opportunity to say some words about us!

Finally to every fan I want to say if you like Toxic Waltz or any other band please support us / them by purchasing the music, merch and go to their shows. Music is a really though business!

 Cheers

Jimi – Toxic Waltz

http://metalmark.blogspot.com/search?q=Toxic+Waltz-Decades+Of+Pain 

Toxic Waltz-Decades Of Pain

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Bavarian thrash metal merchants Toxic Waltz, who shouldn't be confused with the Spanish act of the same name, no doubt took their moniker from one of Exodus' more well-known tracks. But, it's not just name game we're talking about here as this young, high-class thrash act, which was founded in 2009 by lead guitarist Jimi and ex-drummer Tim, also bows it's collective heads in awe and worship at the alter of all things Exodus and (pretty much) all of Bay Area thrash of old! With Angelo on lead vocals and Jimi of lead guitar (and not to mention rhythm guitarist Alex, bass player Rahman and drummer Flo) the band makes the most of their 9 track debut album by blitzing out the same wonderful thrash that made the late eighties/early nineties such a cool time to live through and mosh out to! Back in the days of leather jackets, spikes, chain wallets and bullet (waist) belts a band like this would have been all the rage given how closely this 39 minute thrasher rocks the boat (style-wise) of bands like the aforementioned Exodus, Heathen, Death Angel, Forbidden and (to a lesser extent) Lääz Rockit and Metallica! Of course by reading all of that one might be tempted to just write-this young bunch off as retro-thrashers riding the proverbial bandwagon. I suppose you could look at it that way although by my calculations (or rather how these tunes ripped through my eardrums!) a band like Toxic Waltz comes across as a bit more legit then many other similar-sounding, Bay Area-obsessed, metal maniacs. Maybe it's the (obvious) enthusiasm of these five young gentlemen. Or maybe it's just the fact that Toxic Waltz is A) technically savvy and B) talented when it comes to the song-writing portion of being in a band. Whichever area you want to look at or whatever element you want to focus on this lot just has "IT"...that extra something that's needed to separate the impostors from the real deal. Is there room to grow? Sure. That's about a given when you're talking about young bands and their debut albums. But as that first step out into the light of day this is really solid thrash metal for those of us who like love real thrash metal. If you count yourself in that court then this one would be well-worth tracking down when it's (officially) released later this month!

Running Death-The Call of Extinction

Self-Release
2012

Active since 2004, Running Death are a four-piece German thrash act (imagine that!) whose latest release, the five-track EP, "The Call of Extinction", has made an undeniable impression and hasn't left my playlist since I first clicked on the opening cut "Unleashed"! This EP, which is the follow-up to the group's 2010 EP, "Raging Nightmare" (Running Death also have a 2007, four-track demo on their resume), was actually issued at the very start of 2012 (the end of February to be exact). Of course (usually) I try to stir clear of "older" releases like this, but seeing as this one struck all the right cords (and given the fact that it is delivered with the kind of real technical procession that you usually only find in the likes of Testament, Sadus and Megadeth) it would have been criminal to keep this EP all to myself! Simon, who handles lead vocals and guitars, is probably the only hint that this is Teutonic thrash metal as the band's expertly crafted material is delivered in such a manor that one can't help but have visions of cult U.S. bands like Intruder and I.N.C. (Indestructible Noise Command)! Joining Simon on "The Call of Extinction" (which, incidentally, is one killer title track!) we find Julian (guitar and "shouts") Vigi (bass) and Jakob (drums) and, collectively, the four musicians do seem as if their chosen style of thrash draws more from the American metal scene (Megadeth, Testament, Metallica, Sacred Reich, Vio-lence, Exodus and the aforementioned Intruder and I.N.C.) then it does the German! Not that that is a bad thing or anything. Far from it if you ask me! Running Death, whose moniker does make me think of Running Wild honestly, may only sound a bit like a "normal" German thrash band (in this case it's mostly Kreator if you were to go out looking for similar sounding bands, but even that would be a bit of a stretch), but who cares! They pull of a great thrash metal sound that is sorely missing in today's scene and they do it without sounding like they are all about rocking out "retro" style! This world of ours has puked up more then enough "retro-thrash worship" for my tastes and I know I'm not alone in that feeling. For bands like this particular four-piece it's all about understanding your roots and then applying then in a fashion where you're not looking back but rather looking at the present and where you can (naturally) evolve your music. Hopefully we'll see more from this band in 2014 and get more kick ass thrash along the lines of  "The Call of Extinction"!


http://runningdeath.bandcamp.com/album/the-call-of-extinction-ep