HMaM Global Mod
Post by GL on Jan 1, 2014 13:00:18 GMT -5
Quite frankly, I don't think this genre is getting the kind of due it's deserving of right now. This is really getting interesting with perhaps some of the best bands in the genre getting a series of strong, strong albums and generally being one of the hardest of the different groups to rank because there's so many quality releases from both the old-school proving they still have it and the new-guard ushering in the next phase of the genre. I had the most fun of all with this one and it's certainly the toughest it's been in a while so there's a lot to love here plus what got left off is almost as good but here's the list:
10. Skeletonwitch-Serpents Unleashed
After a couple of controversial picks from them in the previous years, there’s no doubt about this one being on here as this is quite a strong, determined effort from the guys with plenty to absolutely love about this one. It seems they’ve honed their attack into a fine point with the absolutely raging ability to mix Old-School Thrash with the melodic tones of raging Black Metal creating a pretty interesting dynamic this time around, as whenever the Thrash takes lead influence in the songs they’re stronger, harder and more intense while the Black Metal lead makes for a little more melodic, atmospheric feel going around. It’s quite odd to note of the obvious differences of the genres merging as well as they do here but that’s just how it plays out here with jagged, vicious Thrash interacting with atmospheric, melodic Black Metal in quite a profound way and really shows they deserve the inclusion this time around.
9. Impalers-Power Behind the Throne
Absolutely sparkling retro-thrash from Denmark, these newcomers are pretty much spot-on when it comes to dishing out the old-school styled melodies and influence throughout their music. From tight, intense riffing patterns and a variety of technically-precise patterns that showcase a marvelous skill at switching between mid-tempo and full-scale attack, a thumping drum-attack and a vicious vocal assault that borders on Death Metal shrieks at times but still remains firmly in the Thrash camp, these newcomers are certainly learning their lessons well here and display a keen sense of dramatics for someone their age to develop when most of their contemporaries are all about doling out the speed. That is enough to reward them with a spot here, for they seem to have a bright spot ahead of them if this is any indication of what’s to come.
8. Sodom-Epitome of Torture
Once again, this German wrecking crew offer up a strong release that really works well in generating the sense of energy and explosive action they’ve been known for as one of the founding members of the Teutonic style of thrash. While we don’t really get anything new here, the fact that this one is good at what it does is why this one is placed here on the list with shortage of dirty vocals, hard-charging riffs and that pummeling groove dished out by the veteran, experienced rhythm section that keeps this one so grounded and likeable despite all the heavy artillery being thrown around in the riff-work. Despite the fact that they’ve kind of stagnated these last few releases and aren’t as experimental as they are in the earlier years, there’s still some surprises thrown in to make a small difference at times and works well in keeping this one as solid and enjoyable as this one is.
7. Hatchet-Dawn of the End
One of the better retro-acts from the states, this second album after a multi-year lay-off is one of the more surprising efforts of the year in the genre for there’s little to believe it would’ve been replicated based on their past work. Showcasing their home-state effectively, this is pure and prime Bay Area styled thrash done to perfection with that charging guitar tone leading the way with a varied series of hard-hitting attacks, soaring leads and plenty of power that really showcases the tried-and-tested teachings of their forbearers, graceful drumming and a snarling vocal attack with appropriate gang-backing shouts merely complete the picture here as the energy that comes from all these sources is impeccable and explosive. They seem to be on the right track here, and the follow-up to this one should be a monster for the scene when it hits.
6. Essence-Last Night of Solace
Much like their fellow thrashers above them, these Danes belong to the current explosion of retro-thrash movement and are one of the more unique, dynamic acts in that particular sub-set of the genre by virtue of one distinct, glaring difference. While most acts opt for an old-school production then lay on the intensity throughout, which generates plenty of warm results at times, these guys instead go for more of a melodic approach where it doesn’t get as fast as many of their contemporaries but instead dole out far more memorable and harmonious efforts along the way even when they get to their fastest point. This effort continues the trend with a greater dose of guitar melodies into the retro thrash stew that comes with far more dynamic energy and action than expected among moments of pure thrash speed and intensity, making for a great offering overall and worthy placement on the list.
5. Artillery-Legions
There’s always that one band that sneaks in at the last minute to make the list, and this year it’s these Danish veterans. Gaining an incredible second wind here, this is about as solid a threesome at this stage in a career as you could expect with pretty much a highlight reel of what to expect on the majority of their albums all invested fully in this effort that runs the gamut from sparkling technically-laden thrash to galloping mid-tempo work and even working some short, brutal thrashers into the mix, all off-set by the new vocalist who soars and careens over the material with a Power Metal flair, fitting since he was formerly in a Power Metal band, but that grace and dynamic ability fits the material so effortlessly it seems like a wholesale fit from the beginning. There’s a lot to love with this one overall, and it’s only fitting that they find a place within here, even if you might find fault with the placement as the soaring vocals might not be a perfect fit for all in concept (“why replace the singer, it wasn’t needed”) or execution (“thrash needs vicious, biting vocals”) but regardless they’re here.
4. Paradox-Tales of the Weird
Technically, this is a 2012 release, but as it was on December 14, that’s good enough to be here for 2013. Much like their Danish counterparts above them, these Germans are certainly coming on strongly in recent years after having been re-introduced to their discography after not being overly familiar to begin with and finding this sterling blend of technically proficient Power/Thrash metal immensely enjoyable and quite honestly underrated in the whole of their countrymen as this is frantic, fully-fledged thrash with sparkling melodies, technically-precise riffing, pounding drumming, powerful vocals and non-stop speed which makes for one of the more pleasing and enthusiastic sounds around. This is enjoyable metal of great caliber, and it needs to be heard for how good they are as one of the premier acts in the genre and hopefully this well-deserved placement will fix that grievous, heinous error.
3. Death Angel-The Dream Calls for Blood
Now, in reality, this came out of nowhere as the band was really a hit-or-miss for the majority of their run before whereas this one really turns that on its head with one of the strongest, most appealing albums in their entire catalog. Gone are the sloppy, chaotic riffing that had been plaguing the band from their very induction to instead focusing on tighter musicianship all around and making use of the Thrash for some very inspired riffing to come around, and the results this time out is spectacular. There’s an intensity within the majority of these tracks that rivals bands half their age and certainly maintain a high level of intensity even when they’re not thrashing with abandon on their more melodic efforts, which creates a balance that’s hard to come by and really makes this all the more appealing when it gets to the bottom line here. The fact that none of these elements were really utilized all that much in the past is what makes them such welcome additions this time around, and overall this is certainly the bands’ finest hour and one of the years’ top choices.
2. Hatriot-Heroes of Origin
Proof-positive the Exodus split was the best for everyone as there’s two routes that come from that, and with this second project propping up to go along with a vicious, intense main band I don’t think anyone’s complaining anymore. Ripping with a ferocious energy that’s hardly ever been matched by bands’ this early in their career, but yet not afraid to dabble and experiment with themselves either as this explores some more profound territories beyond straight-up thrash with sections of moody, Doom-influenced material as well as plenty of harder Death Metal elements and some varied, multi-sectioned epics thrown in, this is a well-rounded and dynamic offering before we even get to the thrash which is the main selling point in all this. It rips, it churns and then turns around and repeats the process with even more authority and intensity than before, and overall if this is where the band’s going to go in the future there’s nothing but brightness ahead of them. What a spectacular debut.
1. Onslaught-VI
Really, this one of the more surprising entries to rank at number one on the list but after two strong, spectacular releases this one is more than worthy of being placed in this spot here with what is one of the most brutal thrash assaults they’ve released. Littered with scorching riffing, pummeling rhythms with devastating drumming, a series of intense vocal lashings and non-stop energy, this is fresh, dynamic and vicious enough to rank high up on the list regardless but the fact that they’re doing this high point of material at such a late stage in their career is mind-blowing to say the least, and with this one filled with several of their most classic tracks yet, it’s a thunderous release regardless of where it came in the discography for music this punishing and intense should be celebrated. It’s really a continuation of where they came from on their last record which nearly won out in its’ respective year, but to carry on and forge another one filled with rattling rhythms, energy and explosive arrangements is enough to crown this the genre’s top mark.
10. Skeletonwitch-Serpents Unleashed
After a couple of controversial picks from them in the previous years, there’s no doubt about this one being on here as this is quite a strong, determined effort from the guys with plenty to absolutely love about this one. It seems they’ve honed their attack into a fine point with the absolutely raging ability to mix Old-School Thrash with the melodic tones of raging Black Metal creating a pretty interesting dynamic this time around, as whenever the Thrash takes lead influence in the songs they’re stronger, harder and more intense while the Black Metal lead makes for a little more melodic, atmospheric feel going around. It’s quite odd to note of the obvious differences of the genres merging as well as they do here but that’s just how it plays out here with jagged, vicious Thrash interacting with atmospheric, melodic Black Metal in quite a profound way and really shows they deserve the inclusion this time around.
9. Impalers-Power Behind the Throne
Absolutely sparkling retro-thrash from Denmark, these newcomers are pretty much spot-on when it comes to dishing out the old-school styled melodies and influence throughout their music. From tight, intense riffing patterns and a variety of technically-precise patterns that showcase a marvelous skill at switching between mid-tempo and full-scale attack, a thumping drum-attack and a vicious vocal assault that borders on Death Metal shrieks at times but still remains firmly in the Thrash camp, these newcomers are certainly learning their lessons well here and display a keen sense of dramatics for someone their age to develop when most of their contemporaries are all about doling out the speed. That is enough to reward them with a spot here, for they seem to have a bright spot ahead of them if this is any indication of what’s to come.
8. Sodom-Epitome of Torture
Once again, this German wrecking crew offer up a strong release that really works well in generating the sense of energy and explosive action they’ve been known for as one of the founding members of the Teutonic style of thrash. While we don’t really get anything new here, the fact that this one is good at what it does is why this one is placed here on the list with shortage of dirty vocals, hard-charging riffs and that pummeling groove dished out by the veteran, experienced rhythm section that keeps this one so grounded and likeable despite all the heavy artillery being thrown around in the riff-work. Despite the fact that they’ve kind of stagnated these last few releases and aren’t as experimental as they are in the earlier years, there’s still some surprises thrown in to make a small difference at times and works well in keeping this one as solid and enjoyable as this one is.
7. Hatchet-Dawn of the End
One of the better retro-acts from the states, this second album after a multi-year lay-off is one of the more surprising efforts of the year in the genre for there’s little to believe it would’ve been replicated based on their past work. Showcasing their home-state effectively, this is pure and prime Bay Area styled thrash done to perfection with that charging guitar tone leading the way with a varied series of hard-hitting attacks, soaring leads and plenty of power that really showcases the tried-and-tested teachings of their forbearers, graceful drumming and a snarling vocal attack with appropriate gang-backing shouts merely complete the picture here as the energy that comes from all these sources is impeccable and explosive. They seem to be on the right track here, and the follow-up to this one should be a monster for the scene when it hits.
6. Essence-Last Night of Solace
Much like their fellow thrashers above them, these Danes belong to the current explosion of retro-thrash movement and are one of the more unique, dynamic acts in that particular sub-set of the genre by virtue of one distinct, glaring difference. While most acts opt for an old-school production then lay on the intensity throughout, which generates plenty of warm results at times, these guys instead go for more of a melodic approach where it doesn’t get as fast as many of their contemporaries but instead dole out far more memorable and harmonious efforts along the way even when they get to their fastest point. This effort continues the trend with a greater dose of guitar melodies into the retro thrash stew that comes with far more dynamic energy and action than expected among moments of pure thrash speed and intensity, making for a great offering overall and worthy placement on the list.
5. Artillery-Legions
There’s always that one band that sneaks in at the last minute to make the list, and this year it’s these Danish veterans. Gaining an incredible second wind here, this is about as solid a threesome at this stage in a career as you could expect with pretty much a highlight reel of what to expect on the majority of their albums all invested fully in this effort that runs the gamut from sparkling technically-laden thrash to galloping mid-tempo work and even working some short, brutal thrashers into the mix, all off-set by the new vocalist who soars and careens over the material with a Power Metal flair, fitting since he was formerly in a Power Metal band, but that grace and dynamic ability fits the material so effortlessly it seems like a wholesale fit from the beginning. There’s a lot to love with this one overall, and it’s only fitting that they find a place within here, even if you might find fault with the placement as the soaring vocals might not be a perfect fit for all in concept (“why replace the singer, it wasn’t needed”) or execution (“thrash needs vicious, biting vocals”) but regardless they’re here.
4. Paradox-Tales of the Weird
Technically, this is a 2012 release, but as it was on December 14, that’s good enough to be here for 2013. Much like their Danish counterparts above them, these Germans are certainly coming on strongly in recent years after having been re-introduced to their discography after not being overly familiar to begin with and finding this sterling blend of technically proficient Power/Thrash metal immensely enjoyable and quite honestly underrated in the whole of their countrymen as this is frantic, fully-fledged thrash with sparkling melodies, technically-precise riffing, pounding drumming, powerful vocals and non-stop speed which makes for one of the more pleasing and enthusiastic sounds around. This is enjoyable metal of great caliber, and it needs to be heard for how good they are as one of the premier acts in the genre and hopefully this well-deserved placement will fix that grievous, heinous error.
3. Death Angel-The Dream Calls for Blood
Now, in reality, this came out of nowhere as the band was really a hit-or-miss for the majority of their run before whereas this one really turns that on its head with one of the strongest, most appealing albums in their entire catalog. Gone are the sloppy, chaotic riffing that had been plaguing the band from their very induction to instead focusing on tighter musicianship all around and making use of the Thrash for some very inspired riffing to come around, and the results this time out is spectacular. There’s an intensity within the majority of these tracks that rivals bands half their age and certainly maintain a high level of intensity even when they’re not thrashing with abandon on their more melodic efforts, which creates a balance that’s hard to come by and really makes this all the more appealing when it gets to the bottom line here. The fact that none of these elements were really utilized all that much in the past is what makes them such welcome additions this time around, and overall this is certainly the bands’ finest hour and one of the years’ top choices.
2. Hatriot-Heroes of Origin
Proof-positive the Exodus split was the best for everyone as there’s two routes that come from that, and with this second project propping up to go along with a vicious, intense main band I don’t think anyone’s complaining anymore. Ripping with a ferocious energy that’s hardly ever been matched by bands’ this early in their career, but yet not afraid to dabble and experiment with themselves either as this explores some more profound territories beyond straight-up thrash with sections of moody, Doom-influenced material as well as plenty of harder Death Metal elements and some varied, multi-sectioned epics thrown in, this is a well-rounded and dynamic offering before we even get to the thrash which is the main selling point in all this. It rips, it churns and then turns around and repeats the process with even more authority and intensity than before, and overall if this is where the band’s going to go in the future there’s nothing but brightness ahead of them. What a spectacular debut.
1. Onslaught-VI
Really, this one of the more surprising entries to rank at number one on the list but after two strong, spectacular releases this one is more than worthy of being placed in this spot here with what is one of the most brutal thrash assaults they’ve released. Littered with scorching riffing, pummeling rhythms with devastating drumming, a series of intense vocal lashings and non-stop energy, this is fresh, dynamic and vicious enough to rank high up on the list regardless but the fact that they’re doing this high point of material at such a late stage in their career is mind-blowing to say the least, and with this one filled with several of their most classic tracks yet, it’s a thunderous release regardless of where it came in the discography for music this punishing and intense should be celebrated. It’s really a continuation of where they came from on their last record which nearly won out in its’ respective year, but to carry on and forge another one filled with rattling rhythms, energy and explosive arrangements is enough to crown this the genre’s top mark.
