Sanity’s Rage – The Dead Don’t Run (Review)

Sanity's Rage - The Dead Don't RunThis is the second album from Belgian thrash metallers Sanity’s Rage.

Way back in 2012 I encountered You Are What You Swallow, and I liked it a great deal. Over the years, it’s stood up well, and always reminds me that thrash metal can still be hugely enjoyable when played well. Then after that, nothing. No idea why. But now, unexpectedly, something. The Dead Don’t Run, in fact; 47-minutes of well-written, well-built thrash metal. Continue reading “Sanity’s Rage – The Dead Don’t Run (Review)”

Testament – Para Bellum (Review)

Testament - Para BellumTestament are a legendary thrash metal band from the US. This is their 13th studio album, (14th if you count First Strike Still Deadly).

At this stage Testament should need little introduction. They’re an absolutely classic band, and a long time favourite of mine. I’ll link the reviews of their last two albums here – Brotherhood of the Snake / Titans of Creation – as a precursor to Para Bellum, but basically with Testament you know that at the very least you’re going to get a very good metal album to headbang around too. Continue reading “Testament – Para Bellum (Review)”

Bloodletter – Leave the Light Behind (Review)

Bloodletter - Leave the Light BehindBloodletter are a thrash metal band from the US and this is their fourth album.

Leave the Light Behind contains 35 minutes of well-written melodic thrash metal. Bloodletter bring something to thrash that I haven’t heard in ages – pure, unadulterated quality craftsmanship. I normally pass on thrash metal these days, but this one wouldn’t let me go. Continue reading “Bloodletter – Leave the Light Behind (Review)”

Serpent Corpse – Retaliate (Review)

Serpent Corpse - RetaliateSerpent Corpse are a Canadian death metal band and this is their latest EP.

I thoroughly enjoyed 2023’s Blood Sabbath, so am pleased to have this new EP from Serpent Corpse. Retaliate contains 26 minutes of new material – four tracks of hideous old-school death metal for fans of the good stuff. On Retaliate Serpent Corpse have pushed themselves further, with longer songs and a wider breadth of deathly vision. Continue reading “Serpent Corpse – Retaliate (Review)”

Cryptosis – Celestial Death (Review)

Cryptosis - Celestial DeathCryptosis are a extreme metal band from the Netherlands and this is their second album.

Following on from 2021’s well-received Bionic Swarm, Cryptosis are now back with the 42-minute face ripper Celestial Death. I am of the opinion that a black metal touch makes everything better. Cryptosis seem to agree. Continue reading “Cryptosis – Celestial Death (Review)”

Sarcator – Swarming Angels & Flies (Review)

Sarcator - Swarming Angels & FliesSarcator are a Swedish thrash metal band and this is their third album.

Sarcator play a black/death-influenced style of thrash metal, and Swarming Angels & Flies contains 44 minutes of material. Think of a blend of early-period old-school metal in the form of bands such as Kreator, Sarcófago, Sodom, and Morbid Angel, and then blend this with more contemporary acts like Hellripper, Devastator, and Midnight, and you’ll be on the right lines. You can throw in some other refences too at various points, but ultimately, despite the ancient style that underpins this album, it’s remarkably fun and fresh sounding. Continue reading “Sarcator – Swarming Angels & Flies (Review)”

Against Evil – Give ’em Hell (Review)

Against Evil - Give 'em HellAgainst Evil are an Indian heavy metal band and this is their third album.

Against Evil play energy-filled heavy metal, and they play it very well. There are power and thrash metal influences at play here, particularly the latter, but essentially this is glorious fast-paced old-school heavy metal, delivered with contemporary passion and skill. Continue reading “Against Evil – Give ’em Hell (Review)”

Nuclear Tomb – Terror Labyrinthian (Review)

Nuclear Tomb - Terror LabyrinthianNuclear Tomb are a death/thrash metal band from the US and this is their debut album.

Nuclear Tomb play an intriguing mix of death and thrash metal that combines a ferocious attack with progressive wanderings and idiosyncratic layers. Exploding across 33 minutes, Terror Labyrinthian impresses with its ambition, scope, and beating heart of passionate steel. Continue reading “Nuclear Tomb – Terror Labyrinthian (Review)”

Stress Angel – Punished by Nemesis (Review)

Stress Angel - Punished by NemesisStress Angel are a death/thrash metal band from the US and this is their second album.

Punished by Nemesis contains 40 minutes of atavistic metal that’s easy to enjoy. It’s all scorching riffs, pounding drums, and fierce attitude. What’s not to like? Stress Angel have a natural charisma, and this album is loads of fun. Continue reading “Stress Angel – Punished by Nemesis (Review)”

Jenner – Prove Them Wrong (Review)

Jenner - Prove Them WrongThis is the second album from Serbian thrash metal band Jenner.

Prove Them Wrong contains 45 minutes of classic thrashing metal the likes of which you don’t commonly encounter in 2023. It’s very endearing and top fun – Jenner know how to play this sort of thing that’s for sure. Continue reading “Jenner – Prove Them Wrong (Review)”