Emerging during the resurgence or ‘new wave’ of thrash metal in 2004, Warbringer quickly rose to prominence with their fierce energy and relentless touring schedule. Known for their aggressive style and complex compositions, Warbringer have carved a niche in the modern thrash metal scene. Over the years, they have released several albums that have been critically acclaimed, including War Without End and Woe to the Vanquished. Now, their 6th studio album Wrath and Ruin is due for release on March 14th via Napalm Records.
The danger with thrash metal is that it can become boring and repetitive, following the same old tried and tested formula. However, this album takes a peculiar approach in that the more intriguing and stronger tracks are actually in the second half rather than grabbing your attention in the first half just for it to peter out and die entirely.
A solid example of this are the opening tracks: “The Sword And The Cross” and “A Better World.” Stereotypically consisting of a grand introduction of thunderous drums and building riffs, both of these tracks aren't terrible but they are textbook, rampaging thrash metal with a dark edge, chugging riffs and groove; there isn't anything all that remarkable or memorable about them. Following the furious openers is the mid-tempo groove stomp that is “Necromancer,” which takes on elements of spiraling death metal riffage towards its latter stages following a dizzying solo. This glides seamlessly into the short, sharp onslaught that is “The Jackhammer.” It's the shortest track on the album, but it packs a serious punch with a furious pace and intricate guitar solos.
It's at this point where the album gets interesting. A definite stand-out moment is “Through A Glass, Darkly,” which is inspired by World War II general George Patton. The track itself takes the form of a trudging, mid-tempo melody focusing on groove and hypnotic gothic elements. The track showcases both fry screaming and rasping, gothic-tinged vocals that add a dark and intriguing atmosphere to the track. The difference between the first four tracks and “Through A Glass, Darkly” is astounding and showcases the band's ability to experiment and explore their creativity.
This is followed up by “Strike From The Sky,” opening with a Tom Araya-style scream and explosive riffs. This is modern thrash metal at its best with no nonsense, straight to the point but engaging at the same time. “Cage Of Air” utilises various elements throughout, consisting of a frantic pace of blistering riffs, muscular rhythm and complex time signatures alternating between fury, mid-tempo groove and powerful slower moments. If Warbringer decided to end the album on “Cage Of Air,” that would have been a creatively brilliant move due to its complexities and depth, however they decided to stretch it out with a concluding filler in “Last Of My Kind,” ending the album on a weaker note. That said, the closing guitar solo is pretty cool.
Bottom Line: Although the opening half of Wrath and Ruin may feel repetitive and predictable at times with the use of trite song structures and themes, Warbringer's latest offering kicks it up a notch in the latter half of the album to create an overall solid thrash metal record. Enjoyable and accessible to begin with and ending on a more dramatic and complex note, Wrath and Ruin delivers exactly what its meant to deliver with a blend of accessible thrash and engaging elements.
10 comments
Post CommentBiggest posers of the bullshit thrash revival and they suck live too. So of course that's a Shamgoat 7
There's only room for one reviewer who uses one letter for their name and that's D. Rodriguez. So if you would kindly f*ck, off Lindsay C.
Lindsay is a damn treasure who lives and breathes metal, you guys can all go f*ck yourselves.
Women dont know shit about metal. If anything their tits should be dumped out for all to see if they are in the arena of heavy metal, especially if they are going to critique it.
"The danger with thrash metal is that it can become boring and repetitive" And yet here we are