Thrash is back! There is little doubting this fact with a multitude of old school acts reuniting and what’s more in some cases producing new music more potent than many of the albums for which they are famed. This impetus from the old guard has been the shot in the arm for what was until recently a genre dead in the water, inspiring a new crop of talent to emerge hungry and driven to prove they are every bit the part and worthy of the term Thrash.
With the unprecedented success of Municipal Waste, Evile and Dekapitator amongst others in opening the eyes of a new generation to Thrash can’t be underestimated. Many of today’s fans weren’t even born when the likes of “Hell Awaits” or “Bonded by Blood” were first released, let alone comprehend the impact they had on an unsuspecting market. Amongst the second wave of Thrash acts to emerge is that of Los Angeles based Warbringer who bring their no holds bared attitude kicking and screaming to life with their debut release “War Without End”. In a genre of music this mature it is impossible for any band not to be compared or sound akin to someone, and so it proves with Warbringer. The knack is of course to appeal to the fans of the bands you are trying to emulate without tipping the balance and becoming a carbon copy.
The first notable point that strikes you upon listening to "War Without End" is the bands no nonsense approach to their music. There is no clever trickery here, from the outset of "Total War" you are thrown into a whirlwind of unadulterated Thrash Metal. Vocalist John Kevill spits out his lyrics with the ferocity of a Paul Baloff on angry pills with a healthy slug of Mille Petrozza thrown in for good measure. The influence of Hunolt and Holt is far more obvious in John Laux and Adam Carroll riffs, with soaring solos and mesmeric picking are sure to make the likes of "Systematic Genocide" instant mosh pit favourites.
The album is aided by Bill Metoyers totally crushing production but then again what else would you expect from a man who has the likes of Slayer, Dark Angel and DRI on his production résumé? There is nothing about "War Without End" that doesn't reek of the heyday of Thrash Metal, from the fist punching riffs to the pounding mile a minute drumming, everything has that touch of retro vogue and all without the slightest hint of plagiarism or staleness. Certain never to be talked about in terms of the most original album of 2008, "War Without End" is certainly a contender for one of the most entertaining releases of the year.
