AVENGER OF BLOOD
SPAWN OF EVIL
Self Released - 2012
Over the last few years, one of the more prominent movements in the metal realm is the so called New Wave of Thrash Metal, with some biggest names and best kept secrets of thrash metal's original heyday returning to their roots and delivering some ripping albums. At the same time, a massive number of newer, younger bands have sprung onto the scene, creating their own thrashing creations in a nod to their heroes.
Of the new bands born of the NWOTM, Las Vegas' Avenger Of Blood have been doing this longer than most, their roots tracing back to 2002. Through the years and a revolving door of musicians, they've released two albums of fast, violent thrash with obvious nods to the early works of thrash icons such as Kreator, Possessed and Slayer. 2012's “Spawn Of Evil” represents the band's first new material to be released after a four year hiatus, with founding member Shannon Frye (Drums) and long term member Marc Flores (Guitar) joined by new members Jeremy Hamilton (Bass), Brandon Gulling (Guitars) and R. A. Carnage (Vocals).
The EP opens with “Centuries of Hell”, which is a violent thrasher designed to get your head banging. The riffs are flying fast through the duration. It's a fine opening to this EP, though nothing here is likely to hold in your memory once the track reaches it's end. The title track comes next, a shorter, tighter composition featuring some nice mid-paced sections that mesh well with the faster passages, and a more memorable assortment of riffs. For the final track, Aggressive Psychotic Behaviour, the band kick things off with all guns blazing. They slow down the pace in the bridge before the solo kicks in and the riffs start flying thick and fast. The riff work on display here definitely being the best of the EP, making this track the perfect closer. The drums throughout feature a good solid mix of traditional thrash beats mixed with a fair amount of blasting. Carnage's vocals throughout the EP bear a strong resemblance to Kreator's Milli Petrozza, well performed and fitting the music to a tee.
Overall, this is a short release, clocking in at just over 10 minutes. If you're a major thrasher you've probably heard all this before, but the music here is well produced for a self released effort, tightly performed, and sure to get your head banging, which is all you can really ask for from a release of this nature. The band are heading to the studio soon to commence work on a new full length album, and after hearing this short teaser, I know I'll definitely be getting hold of a copy.
-- Matt
