Post by slayrrr666 on Jan 1, 2015 12:17:08 GMT -5
So, this was without a doubt the single toughest part of the genres to rank and get accordingly, there's just so much quality stuff released this year that it was nearly impossible to get it all together. For the past several years this resurgence of the new-school has finally come into full-force as they dominate the rankings this year with a real abandon, taking just about all the spots except for a few of the old-school guard to save face even, so even though they still manage to come away with the top spot here on the list they've got some serious company coming in the next few years and it should be a blast to see where this goes.
10. Soul Collector-Thrashmageddon
One of the more impressive retro-styled acts in a year filled to the brim with such releases as the new-school really came out in droves this year which is enough to get these guys on the list. Taking the Exodus approach about as far as one could possibly manage without ever getting sued for plagiarism, that attack does have some rather strong advantages here with this having a strong, up-front guitar attack rife with razor-wire riff-work and dexterous rhythms that accompany a strong rhythm section that adds an immense weight to the proceedings. That familiar throaty growl, reminiscent of so much of Souza’s work in 80s-era Exodus, is also present to further the connection of the two bands and keep this one barreling along as the majority of the tracks are based on a mid-tempo to upper-range pace which does allow plenty of strong moments throughout the attack here. There’s enough variety to really matter with how this one goes about as well, tending to add in extravagant intros or churning mid-tempo work to add to the overall consistent Thrash attack which is quite enjoyable as it goes along. While they’re not exactly flawless what works is enough to make this one earn a spot here, and just barely as well.
9. Space Eater-Passing Through the Fire to Molech
Part of two growing trends at once, both the explosive Retro-Thrash revival as well as the growing explosion of highly-impressive acts coming from Eastern Europe, these guys are one of the more dynamic in the scene. Effectively recalling the Bay Area brand of Thrash with loud, clanking bass-lines, pounding drumming and the type of heavy crunch onto the guitar-work that really showcases the right amount of dexterous rhythms so proficient in that scene, this becomes quite fun and rousing enough for this type of genre. What causes the band to score so high and make the list, however, is the grand infusion of this kind of infectious Old-School Thrash with a blistering sense of chaos-laden riffing patterns that are far more intense and brutal in their bombast which causes the material to appear far more dangerous than the more controlled and sterile-sounding originators ever did. This chaos-riddled work is given a grand platform here by being the focus for a large portion of the tracks on here with this as well as the fact that this produces the kind of speed required to really thrash to during the biggest moments while also playing around just in the more mid-tempo realm with plenty of urgent chugging patterns so there’s enough here to really get a wide-range of up-tempo energetic works in this. This fiery series of performances is what’s needed on an album every now and then, and is what’s behind the reasoning for not only their placement here but their placement this high on the list.
8. Game Over-Burst into the Quiet
Always one of the more undervalued acts in the Thrash scene, these Italians are gaining plenty of steam with this one following hot on the heels of their previous release in generating some exciting and utterly rousing Thrash Metal with an old-school bent. Again this one is seemingly filled to the brim with their tight, densely-layered riff-work that packs a wallop with the riffing alternating nicely between ravenous chugging and frantic full-throttle assaults that there’s a surge of energy packed into each and every track which is most fortunate that the tightly-packed song create such a space, all the while boosted by that lively old-school production which gives this one so much to like about it it’s quite a blast overall. This is a very difficult assault to master with their being so little room for songs to breathe due to these dense arrangements but the band makes it work quite well by managing to focus on generating energy from their riffs rather than show off dexterous and technical rhythms for no reason and oftentimes, when it’s done as good as they do it’s enough to be enjoyable and earn a spot of placement here on the list.
7. Majster Kat-Memento
Certainly the surprise of the year, this Slovakian band is definitely growing in terms of status as well as the type of material presented here. Firmly aware of their Thrash roots, this blends mid-range efforts with outstanding full-throttle charging that comes with stellar melodies and a fine attention to Thrash which makes for some incredibly energetic songs on here. More impressively is the fact that these are delivered in a sense of technical splendor that renders the majority of these tracks with a dynamic affair of different moods and tempos throughout which is really where the album scores. By being highly technical with scorching Thrash rhythms and the kind of important melodies to be found here, this would've scored quite high on the list regardless of their unique infusion of native culture and folk-music into their sound which gives them the type of individuality that makes a band stand out in a crowded scene. That's an unbelievably underrated quality that really goes missing for most bands in this genre as they tend to get lost in many cases by just simply copying their original influences incredibly well but leave that definable stamp of individuality completely by the wayside. That's what makes this such a highly unique and immensely enjoyable release, in that the music here alone makes this worthy enough to be here but taking the kind of chances and utilizing the originality facets of it's native culture while seemingly meshing together so well makes this so good. Definitely one to listen to in the future if this kind of output is produced and more than worth the placement here.
6. Nervosa-Victim of Yourself
One of the more impressive and stylish newcomers from the explosive Brazilian scene, this is really enjoyable and high-quality Thrash. Like the majority of their peers in the current Retro-Thrash scene, there’s a lot to like here with the guitar-work on display with the prototypical jagged, razor-wire style of riffing patterns that absolutely screams from the old-school style of fast, furious guitar-riffs throughout the songs and that’s ably demonstrated here. Keeping the thrash energy in check with routine variations from fluidly-picked up-tempo thrash-fests packed with furious deep Speed-Metal picking to mid-tempo start/stop patterns and then featuring these selections being augmented by the occasional melodic sprawl or atmospheric lilting gives this a decided variation throughout here that’s immensely appealing. Based around the tightly-wound, frantic thrash-patterns for the most part, this keeps the tracks raging along at a steady pace while also managing to contain a biting energy on the intense, guitar-heavy patterns which is what makes for the most enjoyable aspects to this one. These girls are onto something impressive here with this being one of the more imposing records of the year and another strong bet for quality South American Thrash.
5. Legion of the Damned-Ravenous Plague
Up to album number five now since the name change and they’re going as strong as can possibly be now that they’ve solidified themselves as Legion of the Damned instead of the glorious legacy left as Occult. Still, these Dutch mongers offer one of the most destructive and charging assaults of the year with their trademark chugging-based Thrash/Death Metal attack bringing in plenty of furious, frantic rhythms and energetic riffing that not only packs a tight energy but also features a ravenous swarm of rather enjoyable moments. Since the majority of the tracks are so up-tempo and faster-paced these riffs pack even more punch into them that really makes for a more exciting effort with this one containing the type of attack that’s made for repeat listens where the dexterous leads, fiery soloing and utterly pummeling rhythm section are more than enough to cause this gain more in line than most other releases on the list which is a really fascinating feat. All of these elements make this release a no-brainer to stay on the list at this placement.
4. Suffocation of Soul-The First Attack
Another contender from the always-fertile and welcomed grounds in Brazil, this utterly crazed and highly-enjoyable Retro-styled offering is simply amazing how good they actually are. Rampant with those Bay-Area formulas that are utilized so frequently in the genre, there’s an utterly furious speed running throughout this one that comes with the utilization of those rhythms so that not only leaves the material here blazing away in the up-tempo realms quite often but also gives this an infectious air of intensity. This intensity is also due to the incredibly dynamic riff-work that’s some of the most inventive in the genre recently as this is the most important part of why this one is so high on this list because of that. It has such a wide range of variety here as there’s tight, raging Thrash alongside enjoyable mid-tempo plodding numbers, a wicked cover tune and even an utterly impressive instrumental effort that displays far more acute progressive leanings than any other track. This dynamic display of variety also manages to incorporate another incredible impressive facet with the skill-set in here being far more technical than really required as there’s a varied dynamic to the tracks here with all sorts of different rhythms and variation throughout. All combined together, there’s a lot to really like here as the bands’ dexterous rhythms, blazing technicality and ingenious use of Old-School Thrash makes this a walloping debut effort and sparks immediate potential in their future with effort like this while easily securing the spot here.
3. Overkill-White Devil Armory
It seems every other year or so there’s a new Overkill album that needs to be ranked in the top 3 of the overall Thrash rankings for the year, and we fall into that pattern again this year with, again, the near-automatic placement of an Overkill album in the top 3 of the overall Thrash rankings for the year. Quite honestly, this might easily be the most varied and scattered album of their careers as we get all the highlights this time around, from furious thrashers laced with that ravenous punk-laced guitar rhythm they’ve perfected ages ago, the massive mid-tempo sprawl that offers a satisfactory breather amidst the beat-downs and the churning epics that offer plenty of gorgeous melodies and that ever-present gang-backed shouts that have been a part of the band since their inception. Even more impressive, their signature clanking bass-runs and raspy snarls are kept in check to allow others the chance to maneuver through the arrangements without feeling like a breakdown in band aesthetics which manages to feel more in tune with their past which were in that league as well and continues their feel towards expanding themselves on each disc. It’s a feat few bands have mastered, far less those this deep in their career as we’re coming up on near three decades of service time from the debut release and well over that time being active which cements their status as true leaders of the genre and why they’re placements must be mandatory.
2. Hatriot-Dawn of the New Centurion
So, two albums in has already cemented the bands' legacy, and in this day and age that's an impressive feat no matter the genre. Rip-roaring old-school Thrash with a more modern sensibility in terms of production quality and in some of the more brutal moments that man of the hardest acts got to back in the day, that framework allows the band to explore what made the last album such a hit in the first place and even go a little further as well by expanding on the technical and progressive side of their music hinted at in their previous effort. That provides this with the majority of its fun factor, as the increased song lengths and expanded arrangements are given plenty of time to weave through the rather frantic and violent riffing that attacks with the same urgency and cadence as the old-guard but still has the sense of attack that comes from the newer school of thought, and when all of this is wrapped up in Zetro's manic vocals, it provides a completely overwhelming experience that follows through on the promise shown in the first album which poises them as one of the leaders in the scene moving forward. Hopefully, the Exodus reunion doesn't derail what they've done so far.
1. Exodus-Blood In, Blood Out
Every year it seems like there’s one band that either reunites or gets back together and shows why they were originally at the top of their game and that’s the case here. Coming back together after a decade apart, things might be just as they always were with a strong and rousing selection of tracks that are some of the most solid and dependable in their career, of course all backed by the vigorous and clearly-animated Souza who is having a blast on many of these tracks. The music within is still dependant on much of what the band has done of late, being rousing groove-based Old-School Thrash with the kind of technically-proficient style of riffing that keeps things twisting and turning into rather enjoyable, vicious tracks that also manages to correct a crucial element held against them. One of the biggest and most detrimental arguments that could be made against the recent reformation years was their convoluting the arrangements unnecessarily, often-times simply throwing in tons of riffs to show off their complexity without doing anything for the song beyond adding excess length, containing a lot of killer work but it all was lost in a sea of overlong arrangements and useless riffing. This one manages to correct that by honing in the arrangements to more tolerable lengths, rather than being long for arbitrary reasons here the lengthier variants aren’t as long and excessive as they were before and tend to offer more in league with the song itself by twisting the main riffs around slightly to offer a variety of moods and contours without endless riff-after-riff that aren’t based on that main rhythm. It makes for a more intense and rabid assault by keeping things more streamlined and simplified that it easily features itself as the top spot here. Well done, gentlemen, and keep both projects going Steve!
10. Soul Collector-Thrashmageddon
One of the more impressive retro-styled acts in a year filled to the brim with such releases as the new-school really came out in droves this year which is enough to get these guys on the list. Taking the Exodus approach about as far as one could possibly manage without ever getting sued for plagiarism, that attack does have some rather strong advantages here with this having a strong, up-front guitar attack rife with razor-wire riff-work and dexterous rhythms that accompany a strong rhythm section that adds an immense weight to the proceedings. That familiar throaty growl, reminiscent of so much of Souza’s work in 80s-era Exodus, is also present to further the connection of the two bands and keep this one barreling along as the majority of the tracks are based on a mid-tempo to upper-range pace which does allow plenty of strong moments throughout the attack here. There’s enough variety to really matter with how this one goes about as well, tending to add in extravagant intros or churning mid-tempo work to add to the overall consistent Thrash attack which is quite enjoyable as it goes along. While they’re not exactly flawless what works is enough to make this one earn a spot here, and just barely as well.
9. Space Eater-Passing Through the Fire to Molech
Part of two growing trends at once, both the explosive Retro-Thrash revival as well as the growing explosion of highly-impressive acts coming from Eastern Europe, these guys are one of the more dynamic in the scene. Effectively recalling the Bay Area brand of Thrash with loud, clanking bass-lines, pounding drumming and the type of heavy crunch onto the guitar-work that really showcases the right amount of dexterous rhythms so proficient in that scene, this becomes quite fun and rousing enough for this type of genre. What causes the band to score so high and make the list, however, is the grand infusion of this kind of infectious Old-School Thrash with a blistering sense of chaos-laden riffing patterns that are far more intense and brutal in their bombast which causes the material to appear far more dangerous than the more controlled and sterile-sounding originators ever did. This chaos-riddled work is given a grand platform here by being the focus for a large portion of the tracks on here with this as well as the fact that this produces the kind of speed required to really thrash to during the biggest moments while also playing around just in the more mid-tempo realm with plenty of urgent chugging patterns so there’s enough here to really get a wide-range of up-tempo energetic works in this. This fiery series of performances is what’s needed on an album every now and then, and is what’s behind the reasoning for not only their placement here but their placement this high on the list.
8. Game Over-Burst into the Quiet
Always one of the more undervalued acts in the Thrash scene, these Italians are gaining plenty of steam with this one following hot on the heels of their previous release in generating some exciting and utterly rousing Thrash Metal with an old-school bent. Again this one is seemingly filled to the brim with their tight, densely-layered riff-work that packs a wallop with the riffing alternating nicely between ravenous chugging and frantic full-throttle assaults that there’s a surge of energy packed into each and every track which is most fortunate that the tightly-packed song create such a space, all the while boosted by that lively old-school production which gives this one so much to like about it it’s quite a blast overall. This is a very difficult assault to master with their being so little room for songs to breathe due to these dense arrangements but the band makes it work quite well by managing to focus on generating energy from their riffs rather than show off dexterous and technical rhythms for no reason and oftentimes, when it’s done as good as they do it’s enough to be enjoyable and earn a spot of placement here on the list.
7. Majster Kat-Memento
Certainly the surprise of the year, this Slovakian band is definitely growing in terms of status as well as the type of material presented here. Firmly aware of their Thrash roots, this blends mid-range efforts with outstanding full-throttle charging that comes with stellar melodies and a fine attention to Thrash which makes for some incredibly energetic songs on here. More impressively is the fact that these are delivered in a sense of technical splendor that renders the majority of these tracks with a dynamic affair of different moods and tempos throughout which is really where the album scores. By being highly technical with scorching Thrash rhythms and the kind of important melodies to be found here, this would've scored quite high on the list regardless of their unique infusion of native culture and folk-music into their sound which gives them the type of individuality that makes a band stand out in a crowded scene. That's an unbelievably underrated quality that really goes missing for most bands in this genre as they tend to get lost in many cases by just simply copying their original influences incredibly well but leave that definable stamp of individuality completely by the wayside. That's what makes this such a highly unique and immensely enjoyable release, in that the music here alone makes this worthy enough to be here but taking the kind of chances and utilizing the originality facets of it's native culture while seemingly meshing together so well makes this so good. Definitely one to listen to in the future if this kind of output is produced and more than worth the placement here.
6. Nervosa-Victim of Yourself
One of the more impressive and stylish newcomers from the explosive Brazilian scene, this is really enjoyable and high-quality Thrash. Like the majority of their peers in the current Retro-Thrash scene, there’s a lot to like here with the guitar-work on display with the prototypical jagged, razor-wire style of riffing patterns that absolutely screams from the old-school style of fast, furious guitar-riffs throughout the songs and that’s ably demonstrated here. Keeping the thrash energy in check with routine variations from fluidly-picked up-tempo thrash-fests packed with furious deep Speed-Metal picking to mid-tempo start/stop patterns and then featuring these selections being augmented by the occasional melodic sprawl or atmospheric lilting gives this a decided variation throughout here that’s immensely appealing. Based around the tightly-wound, frantic thrash-patterns for the most part, this keeps the tracks raging along at a steady pace while also managing to contain a biting energy on the intense, guitar-heavy patterns which is what makes for the most enjoyable aspects to this one. These girls are onto something impressive here with this being one of the more imposing records of the year and another strong bet for quality South American Thrash.
5. Legion of the Damned-Ravenous Plague
Up to album number five now since the name change and they’re going as strong as can possibly be now that they’ve solidified themselves as Legion of the Damned instead of the glorious legacy left as Occult. Still, these Dutch mongers offer one of the most destructive and charging assaults of the year with their trademark chugging-based Thrash/Death Metal attack bringing in plenty of furious, frantic rhythms and energetic riffing that not only packs a tight energy but also features a ravenous swarm of rather enjoyable moments. Since the majority of the tracks are so up-tempo and faster-paced these riffs pack even more punch into them that really makes for a more exciting effort with this one containing the type of attack that’s made for repeat listens where the dexterous leads, fiery soloing and utterly pummeling rhythm section are more than enough to cause this gain more in line than most other releases on the list which is a really fascinating feat. All of these elements make this release a no-brainer to stay on the list at this placement.
4. Suffocation of Soul-The First Attack
Another contender from the always-fertile and welcomed grounds in Brazil, this utterly crazed and highly-enjoyable Retro-styled offering is simply amazing how good they actually are. Rampant with those Bay-Area formulas that are utilized so frequently in the genre, there’s an utterly furious speed running throughout this one that comes with the utilization of those rhythms so that not only leaves the material here blazing away in the up-tempo realms quite often but also gives this an infectious air of intensity. This intensity is also due to the incredibly dynamic riff-work that’s some of the most inventive in the genre recently as this is the most important part of why this one is so high on this list because of that. It has such a wide range of variety here as there’s tight, raging Thrash alongside enjoyable mid-tempo plodding numbers, a wicked cover tune and even an utterly impressive instrumental effort that displays far more acute progressive leanings than any other track. This dynamic display of variety also manages to incorporate another incredible impressive facet with the skill-set in here being far more technical than really required as there’s a varied dynamic to the tracks here with all sorts of different rhythms and variation throughout. All combined together, there’s a lot to really like here as the bands’ dexterous rhythms, blazing technicality and ingenious use of Old-School Thrash makes this a walloping debut effort and sparks immediate potential in their future with effort like this while easily securing the spot here.
3. Overkill-White Devil Armory
It seems every other year or so there’s a new Overkill album that needs to be ranked in the top 3 of the overall Thrash rankings for the year, and we fall into that pattern again this year with, again, the near-automatic placement of an Overkill album in the top 3 of the overall Thrash rankings for the year. Quite honestly, this might easily be the most varied and scattered album of their careers as we get all the highlights this time around, from furious thrashers laced with that ravenous punk-laced guitar rhythm they’ve perfected ages ago, the massive mid-tempo sprawl that offers a satisfactory breather amidst the beat-downs and the churning epics that offer plenty of gorgeous melodies and that ever-present gang-backed shouts that have been a part of the band since their inception. Even more impressive, their signature clanking bass-runs and raspy snarls are kept in check to allow others the chance to maneuver through the arrangements without feeling like a breakdown in band aesthetics which manages to feel more in tune with their past which were in that league as well and continues their feel towards expanding themselves on each disc. It’s a feat few bands have mastered, far less those this deep in their career as we’re coming up on near three decades of service time from the debut release and well over that time being active which cements their status as true leaders of the genre and why they’re placements must be mandatory.
2. Hatriot-Dawn of the New Centurion
So, two albums in has already cemented the bands' legacy, and in this day and age that's an impressive feat no matter the genre. Rip-roaring old-school Thrash with a more modern sensibility in terms of production quality and in some of the more brutal moments that man of the hardest acts got to back in the day, that framework allows the band to explore what made the last album such a hit in the first place and even go a little further as well by expanding on the technical and progressive side of their music hinted at in their previous effort. That provides this with the majority of its fun factor, as the increased song lengths and expanded arrangements are given plenty of time to weave through the rather frantic and violent riffing that attacks with the same urgency and cadence as the old-guard but still has the sense of attack that comes from the newer school of thought, and when all of this is wrapped up in Zetro's manic vocals, it provides a completely overwhelming experience that follows through on the promise shown in the first album which poises them as one of the leaders in the scene moving forward. Hopefully, the Exodus reunion doesn't derail what they've done so far.
1. Exodus-Blood In, Blood Out
Every year it seems like there’s one band that either reunites or gets back together and shows why they were originally at the top of their game and that’s the case here. Coming back together after a decade apart, things might be just as they always were with a strong and rousing selection of tracks that are some of the most solid and dependable in their career, of course all backed by the vigorous and clearly-animated Souza who is having a blast on many of these tracks. The music within is still dependant on much of what the band has done of late, being rousing groove-based Old-School Thrash with the kind of technically-proficient style of riffing that keeps things twisting and turning into rather enjoyable, vicious tracks that also manages to correct a crucial element held against them. One of the biggest and most detrimental arguments that could be made against the recent reformation years was their convoluting the arrangements unnecessarily, often-times simply throwing in tons of riffs to show off their complexity without doing anything for the song beyond adding excess length, containing a lot of killer work but it all was lost in a sea of overlong arrangements and useless riffing. This one manages to correct that by honing in the arrangements to more tolerable lengths, rather than being long for arbitrary reasons here the lengthier variants aren’t as long and excessive as they were before and tend to offer more in league with the song itself by twisting the main riffs around slightly to offer a variety of moods and contours without endless riff-after-riff that aren’t based on that main rhythm. It makes for a more intense and rabid assault by keeping things more streamlined and simplified that it easily features itself as the top spot here. Well done, gentlemen, and keep both projects going Steve!