Demiricous Two (Poverty)

Indianapolis' Demiricous aren't exactly making any attempt to hide their love for Slayer. Calling the band's sophomore release, Two (Poverty), a nod to the American thrash connoisseurs would be a colossal understatement. Nearly everything about this record, from the relentless thrash beats to the twisted solos, screams Slayer. And you know what It's perfectly okay. Actually, it's better than okay. The blistering thrash content on Two is just too good, too in-your-face, and too finely executed to even consider giving a shit about who's mimicking who. Hell, Slayer's recent output hasn't exactly been mind-blowing, so go ahead and let Demiricous be your more than adequate alternative. Two kicks off with "Never Enough Road," a track that leaves no doubt what the album will bring. In an instant, a barrage of precision riffs, straightforward but forceful drumming, and throaty vocals are thrown at the listener. It's nice that front man Nate Olp's vocal style may be one of the few aspects of Demiricous that aren't direct Slayer worship. Instead, Olp adds another layer of intensity by using coarse screams along the lines of those from hardcore acts Ringworm and Integrity. Nevertheless, the Slayer influence is front and center, clearly displayed when the standout track "Expression of Immunity" nails a Reign in Blood-esque solo before impressing with an excellent display of tight drumming. With the exception of the more groove oriented closing track, "Blackish Silver," Two is simply a massive slab of merciless American thrash metal, with each track bludgeoning the listener with relentless blow after relentless blow. However, a more attentive listen reveals some other great things going on under the thrash-heavy hood of Two. "Language of Oblivion" showcases a few death metal influences, with blast-beats and some slower riffing laying the foundation for much of the song. "Celebration of Damage" shows off the band's technical skills before falling into a surprisingly catchy punk beat. The band's ability to include these elements keeps the record from growing mundane for listeners who don't eat, sleep, and breathe thrash. But is Two original enough to be noteworthy It doesn't matter. Unlike other bands that are simply lesser versions of their musical idols, Demiricous' output is just as good as much of Slayer's work. Is Two going to secure a spot in the thrash metal hall of fame next to Reign in Blood No. But that doesn't change the fact that this record is packed with all the elements of an intense, well-executed thrash record. That's all that matters. Bottom Line: Yes, this sounds a lot like Slayer, but when a band executes a style this well, starting originality arguments and rehashing genre history is just a waste of time. If you want a healthy dose of modern thrash metal, Demiricous' Two (Poverty) is all you need.