New Wave of Thrash Metal

Weekend Breakdown: KK Street Bangers, Crisix, Dark Entropy, Exeloume

2012-02-24T22:02:00.007-08:00

KK STREET BANGERS
Does their name sound like a mid-80s NY rap group? Sure, but believe me that once you crank into a KK Street Bangers song, all thoughts of break dancing turn to neck snapping as their brand of raging thrash slams your calloused brain into jelly.

This is dirty pissed-off thrash metal that storms along like a truck with a bloodied grill, picking off unwary victims who are not ready for the chugging mosh-worthy riff attack! The simple, yet effective riff that starts off the tune Street Metal is built for headbanging. I freakin' love it!

The only problem might be the lack of real drums in the recording, but that is a minor quibble since it doesn't really take away from the fun and power of KK Street Bangers's kick ass songs.

Listen below and then hit them up on Facebook here.

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CRISIX
A big shout-out to Zé Rodrigues for turning me on to this band! So hold your horns high, thrashers! Coming to you from Spain is CRISIX, a band that crushes with a metal onslaught of chunk, melody, gallops, killer solos, and throat-tearing screams. When their song Ultra Thrash kicks in and starts raging, I imagine the wall plaster start to crack and tumble while the weak-eared parents in the next room are covering their ears while yelling, "What the hell is going ON?!?"

As a metal head, if you need to strengthen your neck muscles, Crisix is the perfect headbanger's workout band. Do some warmup stretches, check out the tune below, and try not to strain your neck.

Facebook them here.

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DARK ENTROPY
Listening to a band as talented and musically kick-ass as Dark Entropy is a bit frustrating at times. The music that this Illinois thrash band brings to the table is tight, heavy, and worthy of praise. Richard Spoo is a helluva drummer and the guitars of Matt Schering and Mike Maskas are chugging machines of fury.

However, the frustration lies with vocalist Rob Peto's delivery. Too many times he follows the rhythm of the drum or guitar riff. This practice would be fine in small doses, but the amount he mimics the rhythm kills any use of vocal dynamics and frankly becomes a bit distracting (such as in the chorus for Enlisted Suicide and throughout Sins of Our Fathers).

However, Peto's voice is more than capable to front a metal band. I would just like to hear him not adhere his delivery so much on the rhythm and instead use his vocals as another instrument that glides with the music and not just stick on top of it.

To say that Dark Entropy has potential is an understatement. Even with the problems I have with the vocal delivery, the band is still bad-ass. I'm definitely going to follow and keep my ears open to these guys and I'm anxious to see what they will crank out in the future.

Give them a listen below and then look into them over at Facebook.

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EXELOUME
I've seen the Ed Repka cover to Exeloume's album Fairytale of Perversion many time and have always meant to check them out. However, with hundreds of bands scattered around the woodwork, it's easy to pass over many worthy bands. And that sucks, man.

Recently, this Norwegian band was brought back to my attention, and I promptly hit the web to check out their goods. Damn, I HATE missing out on killer bands! To think that Exeloume was floating around all this time without damaging my thrash-hardened ears is disgraceful. I'll make up for that now.

Exeloume's brand of deathrash destroys with sweeping dynamics, hard hitting riffs, and blazing solos. Taking unpredictable turns, the music can dig into the depths of anger, to uplifting wonder, and then to utter chaos, bringing a sense of excitement to the musical journey Exelmoume leads us on.

Check out the tunes below and then follow them here.

Lenny Troo Frasher: Remember?

2012-02-20T21:26:00.000-08:00

T.K.R. ROCKS!

2012-02-20T20:38:00.000-08:00

Holy CRAP!

When taking metal music into consideration, there is heavy and then there is sh*t-ton of bloodied bricks HEAVY.

Enter Indonesia's T.K.R. (tengkorak rusuh), a band that hammers out some of the heaviest modern thrash I've heard in a while. The band's formula is rather simple, which is take a stripped down gallop riff, use mid-tempo dynamics on it, and top it with some killer death-like rhythmic vocals. It's not too far off from what Soulfly has done, that is if Soulfly added a giant-sized sledge hammer made of thrash and blood to cave in your freaking SKULL.

Fans of bands such as Sworn Amongst and HeadCrusher take note. P.K.R. uses the tools offered up by modern thrash riffage and production to create music that is both catchy and heavy enough to make you stomp a hole in the floor.

Listen below and then Faceook them here!

Tantara releases preview of Based on Evil!

2012-02-18T20:58:00.001-08:00

In case you have been under a rock for the past few hours, TANTARA has released a preview of their upcoming album Based on Evil. We are treated to roughly 30 seconds of each track, teasing us with what should turn out to be a phenomenal thrash metal album.

From what I can tell, the production is stellar. I just can't WAIT to get my hands on the full album. ARGGH!!!

Thrashline: Havok, Municipal Waste, T.C.F., In Defence, and MORE!

2012-02-17T22:40:00.000-08:00

On May 22nd, HAVOK returns! Everyone's favorite Colorado thrashers will unleash a beastly EP titled The Point of No Return. Those who come into possession of this slab of metal will be treated to some cover songs (Sepultura and Slayer) as well as two brand new Havok tracks that are destined to shred your freaking face. Ouch!
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Straight from the Netherlands, we have the new album by T.C.F.! The album titled Where Madness Reigns is brimming with blistering, old-school hardcore thrash. Taking cues from punk and crossover kings such as The Exploited, DRI, and SOD, among others, T.C.F. succeeds in cranking out killer boot-to-the-ass mosh anthems. If you're into punk-driven thrash metal, then Where Madness Reigns is freakin' solid!

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Just in time for the upcoming tour with GWAR and GHOUL, thrash heavyweights Municipal Waste have released a new track titled Religion Proof - and it's streaming for FREE! Not only THAT, but you can download the title track of the Waste's upcoming album The Fatal Feast here. Also FREE (with the relinquishing of your email address). Nice!

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As you know (I hope), TANTARA released a killer cover of the Metallica classic Disposable Heroes. Well, these guys have packaged the tune as a gift for everyone to download for free! Thanks, Tantara People!

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I have been following Ireland's thrash maniacs ANIMATOR for a while now, but I have failed to share them with you via my kick-ass blog. Well, the wait is over! Animator seems to enjoy devastating the listener's ears with a one-two punch of classic thrash metal mixed with bits of crossover. These guys line up some killer riffs, nice solos, and dynamics that push their brand of searing metal songs over the top. Professional, tight and completely bad-ass. Check 'em out!

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I just found out about Germany's DELIRIUM TREMENS. From what I have heard, they have incorporated a more rock 'n' roll style to their metal, but the song The Iron Gang Is Running Wild is pure ass-kicking THRASH metal! Not kidding. Give the song a listen - you won't be sorry!

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Hey, here's another healthy dose of crossover for all you hungry thrashers. Portland, Oregon has spawned a punk-fueled metal beast called Roadkill Carnivore (RKC). Drawing from influences such as Crumbsuckers, The Accused, and Cryptic Slaughter, these Portland pile-drivers slam down some aggressive tunes that should easily satisfy fans of the cross genres. RKC is frenzied and fun, so grab your skateboard and let's go crack some skulls!

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Let's head back to Germany to take a quick listen to the death metal styling of DISMINDED. The recordings are raw as hell, but I got a kick out of their old-school treatment of the death genre. At least that was my first impression when I jammed out to their tune Suffocate the Pain. Then I listened to another one of their available songs titled Acid, and noticed a 45 degree turn in their songwriting - almost sounding like a completely different band. Acid's main riff and drum beat gives it a…dance?…quality to it. It's not bad, but I'm curious as to what caused the shift in musical direction. Check them out, compare, and you'll see what I mean.

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The new issue of COFFINFEEDER FANZINE is now available! It features interviews with Warbringer, Havok, Lich King, and others! Also, band features and reviews, in full color! Check out the Coffinfeeder Fanzine site to order a copy!

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Have you seen the latest video by IN DEFENCE? Watch below, love it, and then hit them up here!

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Tantara covers Metallica

2012-02-12T23:56:00.000-08:00

Tantara just posted their cover of the Metallica classic Disposable Heroes. This is excellent work for something they seemingly did just for fun (or good promo for their upcoming debut album).

The musicianship is tight, but it would have to be to get Metallica's ridiculously insane e-string gallops perfect. The coolest parts of the cover are the solos - they sound so full and rich. All in all, I dig this.

Hopefully this is just a taste of extra bits we can expect from the mighty Tantara, even after they come out full force with the release of Based On Evil!

Check out the cover below.

Weekend Breakdown: A killer list of thrash, punk, and death metal!

2012-02-11T00:42:00.000-08:00

For those of you checking back here periodically only to find nothing in regards to new posts, I apologize. As I mention from time to time, I am backed up on my posts, holding back a queue of new thrash that grows in both numbers and impatience every day.

What is a one man army to do with so much kick-ass music and no earnestly given time to bring it to you in a number of well thought-out posts?

PURGE.

Here, I am offering up a list of bands that I found either through online research, word of mouth, or email requests. These bands have caught my ear one way or another and for the past couple of weeks, I've been meaning to present them to you all, but to no avail. So in one big sweep, I shall post snippets of all-out metal complete with song streams and links.

Now, don't mistake my purging without my typical long-ass gushing fanboy write-ups as any form of disrespect toward the bands on the following list. On the contrary - I dig 'em. That's why they are on the list. However, for the purposes of this particular post, my time is limited to just a few words per listing.

Go through the list. I doubt you'll like 'em all, but hopefully there will be a few gems in here that will bring out the Mosh Monster in you.

So here we go!

RAW & ORDER
Raw and blazing thrash punk from Portland, Oregon. Their one-minute available song Speedhole has enough gruff and attitude to have me wanting to hear more!

Check them out below and then Facebook them here.

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DUST BOLT
Killer thrash out of Germany that knows the power of a well-placed swamp riff to keep things heavy and interesting. Nice soloing throughout.

Check out Children of Violence below and then hit them up on Facebook…you know, just to say hi.

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WARHEAD
Thrash-laden heavy metal out of California, full of catchy and driving riffs with clean vocals that remain rooted in 70's dark rock. Headbang to the riffage of State of Chaos and then hit them up here.

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OSMIUM
The now-defunct deathrash/speed band OSMIUM are absolutely pummeling. Band members included a couple dudes from the bad-ass deathrash band ECOPOLIS, all who helped forge Osmium's pit-inducing songs. As I listen to them, I still can't believe they didn't break out further than they did (although their music did end up on the Get Thrashed documentary).

Give your respects to them here.

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P.T.O.M.A.
Greek thrash/crossover with a sense of humor. Bad-ass driving thrash rhythms that bring to mind bits of Gama Bomb and Nuclear Assault. Listen to Wrath of the Anus and then keep tabs on them here.

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BANE OF BEDLAM
These guys hammer out a killer assault of Aussie metal that combines modern thrash, death metal, and groove that absolutely shreds. Get an ass kicking by listening to their tune Born of Metal and then keep up with them here.

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STONELOAD
This Swedish band mixes old-school thrash with modern metal nuances, creating catchy slabs of powerful aggression. I love their song Fallen One! Give it a listen and then hit them up on Facebook.

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ELECTRIC VENGEANCE
I loved these guys right from the start. There is simply too much…charm?…in Electric Vengeance's brutal lo-fi punk-fueled thrash attack. This is as raw as it gets and I would kill to see these guys live. Check them out below and then virtually meet them here.

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INSANITARIUM
Sick death metal out of Quebec that does a good job of ripping your face off with chunks of grind and thrash riffage. Insanitarium are both frenzied and headbang-able, so check them out below and then follow them at their Facebook HQ.

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CHAOSITY
Chaosity is a freakin' wall of sound, thrashing out a brutal offering of pissed-off death metal that hinges on catchy riffs and killer dynamics. Listen and then like 'em!

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ARCHALAXIS
What a killer band! There is something about this Belarus-born thrash group that grabs me by the throat and squeezes until my ears fill with a bloody mess of harsh, dynamic-laden METAL. By all means, give them a listen and if you like it, hit them up on Facebook for details on how to download their album for FREE!

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NUCLEAR OMNICIDE
Let me end on a killer thrashed-out note. I was tipped off by the mighty Lich King who seemed to really dig these guys. Nuclear Omnicide blasts the listener with a barrage of undiluted metal who uses everything in the thrash toolbox to deliver ample amounts of headbanging bliss. Listen and like!

Lenny Troo Frasher: My band

2012-02-06T23:02:00.000-08:00

Thrash is thrash

2012-02-04T23:36:00.000-08:00

The dude from Axis of Metal and Osiris Webzine (by the name of Fritz, I believe?) posted the following statement over at the Thrash Unlimited forums regarding the new wave of thrash.

"But as far as this whole new wave, and everyone saying they hate the worshiping bands; I hate to burst your bubble; thrash is thrash. It will always share that common sound we all love.

Personally, i like it that way. I like that the scene is prolific and bands make the beloved sound. It shares the same sound characteristics but the songs have unique riffs, different vocal styles etc. It's NOT all the same by any means. Some bands rip off completely the classic bands, where as others are influenced, you cant fault bands for sounding like the genre they play.

I cannot stand it when people hate on thrash bands because they play THRASH."

Well said. Take THAT, Lenny Troo Frasher!

New 4ARM album coming...and it kicks ass!

2012-02-02T23:55:00.000-08:00

Australia's 4ARM is going to release their new album Submission For Liberty through Rising Records on February 6th.

But, hey! You don't have to wait until then to hear 4ARM's next 10 tracks of pure bad-assery because the album is now streaming in its entirety over at SDMETAL! I've been listening to Submission of Liberty's onslaught of killer modern thrash and it absolutely crushes. The songwriting is thoroughly engrossing and should stand as a beacon to those wanting a fresh injection in their metal collection. Danny Tomb's vocals rampage within the the flowing barrage of tight riffs and on-cue dynamics, all together creating an album that is a must-have for modern thrash enthusiasts.

Submission For Liberty is one hell of an album. Check it out for yourself...

Listen to it here.
Then order it from these guys.
Then keep tabs on the band here and here.

Lenny Troo Frasher: Why should I?

2012-02-02T16:58:00.001-08:00

The Donner Party ROCKS!

2012-01-31T21:33:00.000-08:00

I am mega-behind on my blogging and probably won't be up to speed any time soon. However, I wanted to drop in for a quick ROCKS! post and pimp a band that was supposed to be in last week's Weekend Breakdown, but I couldn't find the time to get it all written.

But now that I have a bit of time here...

I love some killer crossover and when I find a band that can hit the ground running from the time I push "play", I get a bit giddy. So thank you to THE DONNER PARTY for the giddiness.

This New Jersey pummeling crossover powerhouse treat us to slabs of metal saturated hardcore punk that will - with loving aggression - put a boot up your ass.

The Donner Party feeds our hunger for thrashing speed and slams it with doses of mid-tempo mosh, bringing to mind hints of Gama Bomb, M.O.D., and Municipal Waste. However, T.D.P. are their own animal and offer up a fun listen of pit-stompin' political thrash. Kick ass!

Listen below and then hit them up on Facebook.

Thrashline: Bonded By Blood to record, New Overkill announced, Scornforger's metal tribute, and more!

2012-01-23T21:48:00.000-08:00

In two weeks NWOTM big boys BONDED BY BLOOD will begin recording with their revamped line-up. As most of you know, this will be vocalist Mauro Gonzalez's first album with BBB, and I'm excited to hear him belt out the new tunes.

Ex-BBB vocalist Jose Barrales posted the following on the band's Facebook page:

"I honestly can't wait to hear this. Very intrigued and a little skeptical. I know Juan will sound ace, he's a very legit guitarist. I just need to hear everything together. With Jessie and Mauro being new, I'm sure it will bring a different vibe. I'm actually very, very intrigued on how the vocals will sound and what the lyrics are all about. Good luck."

I might be wrong, but Barrales sounds a little bit…doubtful?…regarding the news about a new BBB record. Terms like "intrigued" and "skeptical" don't sound encouraging and warm, but I don't blame him if that's the case. BBB was his baby for roughly 5 years and it probably isn't easy to see others pick up the flag and run with it.

However, it's cool that Barrales put in his two cents. Meanwhile, I'm eagerly awaiting to hear some tunes from his new band WORMHOLE!
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Thrash legends OVERKILL have named their next album The Electric Age, to be released on March 27th. I'm excited for this news because I have been on an Overkill bender this week, unable to vanquish what thirst I have for their brand of neck-snapping thrash metal.

The bonus is that the album will be out nearly a month before they trek on into my town on their Killfest tour. That'll afford me some quality time to lube up the old ears for some new tunes before hearing them live. That sounded gross.
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SHRAPNEL out of Norwich, England is now looking for a new bass player. Those interested should get in touch with the band through their Facebook page (where you can find all of Shrapnel's contact info).

If you have yet to hear the crushing power of Shrapnel, listen below and then buy their The Devastation to Come ep. Killer, bad-ass thrash metal.

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Polish metal heads HEADBANGER will begin recording their new album at the beginning of July. If you haven't heard these guys yet, get on the ball! I am addicted to their Nuclear Devastation ep. Listen below and then hit Headbanger up on Facebook.

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There is a new thrash blog on the block called GLOBAL THRASH ASSAULT. This blog provides quick, kick-ass reviews and commentary on all things thrash. It's amazing at the amount of material they put out in such a short amount of time. You can almost bet that you'll find new posts there every day (something I aspire to do one day when earth moves up to a 42 hour-a-day schedule).

Check out the Global Thrash Assault blog here and go "like" their HQ on Facebook.
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The Forward Into Battle Tour has added some new dates, including one in Kansas City on March 13th! In case you're in the dark about this tour, the line-up includes English Dogs, The Casualties, Toxic Holocaust, and Havok!!!

This is beginning to be a killer year in metal for me. This week is the Anthrax/Testament/Death Angel show. In March, I'll hit the Forward Into Battle Tour, and then in April…OVERKILL!

Yes, I am lucky.

If you're in the path of the English Dogs tour, mark your calendar. Check here for dates.
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Johnson, TN's master thrashers BACALOU are in search of a new vocalist. These guys jam some bad ass old-school influenced thrash metal. Interested parties can contact Bacalou through their Facebook page.

Meanwhile, check out one of their tunes below.

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Last bit I want to mention:

Check out this killer tribute to metal from the band SCORNFORGER! Cool video to a killer song. If you dig it, keep up with these guys on Facebook.

THRASH TILL YOU PUKE!!!!

Lenny Troo Frasher: Clones

2012-01-19T21:29:00.000-08:00

Trauma Concept ROCKS!

2012-01-18T20:39:00.000-08:00

We all know there are tons of killer metal bands out of New York, Massachusetts, and Texas. Especially Texas. There are so many killer bands down there flying the flag for metal that it seems you could throw a rock and randomly hit someone who is involved in writing music that would thoroughly kick your ass hard.

Anyway, the point is that a few metal musicians from each of the aforementioned regions came together to form…what else?…a bad-ass metal band!

Enter TRAUMA CONCEPT. This Texas/Massachusetts/New York band is a freakin' tornado of metal, twisting together the best parts of the thrash, death, and hints of hardcore to lay waste with a storm of thunderous power and vehemence. Sounds heavy, right?

Damn right.

Trauma Concept slaughters with dynamic speed and mid-tempo trade-offs, utilizing riffs that bring to mind bands such as Slayer, Sepultura, Fear Factory, and Pantera. Jesse Preston vocally weaves through the music with a fiery anger, baring the fangs of a classic deathrash frontman.

Check out the tunes below and then keep up with these guys on Facebook.

METAL!

Iron Reagan ROCKS!

2012-01-17T21:48:00.000-08:00

Foresta and Landphil from Municipal Waste have found another outlet to kick our crusty asses with their new band Iron Reagan.

The music is stripped down to the bone, raging on the intensity of pummeling speed and searing vocals. Fans of blistering fast hardcore will find much to enjoy as they quickly devour the four available songs that slam the listener like a welcoming bat to the chops.

Foresta is truly giving hell with his killer vocal delivery, and at times he renders his well-known sound unrecognizable, offering up some powerhouse screams that bring to mind the likes of Daryl Taberski of Snapcase.

The bottom line is that Iron Reagan is an aggressively fun listen. If you have approximately five or so minutes to spare, check out the entire album below. Afterward hit them up on Bandcamp because the band was kind enough to offer a "name your price" to download!

New album from GAME OVER finally available!

2012-01-17T20:31:00.000-08:00

Italian thrashers GAME OVER have finally released their new album For Humanity through My Graveyard Productions!

If you haven't heard Game Over yet, check out the taste of their new album below with the song Mountains of Madness (with no relation to Diamond Plate!). These guys crank out some killer old-school thrash.

Game Over offers a bunch of web links to help purchase the new album, but the best way would be contact the band directly through their Facebook page or hit up My Graveyard Productions here.

Weekend Breakdown: Extinction, Pretrash, and Citizen X

2012-01-15T21:48:00.000-08:00

EXTINCTION
If you want beefy thunderous riffs with a mix of death and powerthrash vocals that sound as if a giant nuclear-mutated lizard is dancing the doom-stomp all over a busy metropolis, then check out the available song from Istanbul's own EXTINCTION.

The song, titled Embrace, begins with the must-have slow acoustic buildup to what eventually becomes a churning groove that could move mountains. That alone sold me on the band, but the mix of old-school death metal and epic powerthrash are perfectly blended to make some metal dripping with fist-shaking anguish.

Check out the tune below and then hit Extinction up on Facebook to demand they release more tracks!

PRETRASH
Man, I really dig the riffage from Germany's PRETRASH. These guys add enough to the music, including the vocals and dynamics, to keep things interesting. With their song Chamber Inside My Head, Pretrash clobbers the listener with a tight sounding mix of Bay Area thrash with big doses of old-school east coast stomp. Quality kick-ass metal!

Check out the tune below and check them out here and here.

CITIZEN X
Ohio's CITIZEN X cranks out old-school headbanging metal mixed with the stop-and-go mid-tempo riffage that many of the late 80s/early 90s thrash bands incorporated into their sound. Usually, bands that attempt this sound come off as a bit dated and tired, but Citizen X pulls it off, assembling a batch of killer metal songs that bring to mind mid-area Sacred Reich and Overkill. I love it!

Listen to the batch of songs below (one available as a FREE download) and then keep tabs on them here and here.

Tantara's debut to be released by Ultimhate Records!

2012-01-11T21:11:00.000-08:00

In case you didn't know, TANTARA have a deal with Ultimhate Records to release the thrash band's highly anticipated debut album (title unknown as of this writing).

Ultimhate, home to another thrash band favorite ESSENCE, will release the album on March 23rd. As of this writing, I don't know if it will be released worldwide or not. I hope it is because I know many thrash fans who can't wait to get their sweaty little hands on this album - me included.

For me, this album closes the gap on a series of awesome days. March 22nd is my birthday. March 24th and 25th is the Kansas City Planet Comicon. March 26th is my wife's birthday. All that was missing was something cool to happen on March 23rd. Thanks, Tantara!

I really dig the new album single Trapped in Bodies, and I am ready for more!

TANTARA!!!

New HeadCrusher album available as pay-what-you-want download!

2012-01-07T05:14:00.001-08:00

The mighty HeadCrusher has just released their new 7-song album Let the Blood Run for digital download on Bandcamp.

If you don't remember these guys, I raved about them a couple months ago here. Now HeadCrusher is back with a new release that is available for whatever you want to pay (beginning at $1). That's quite a deal. The money they make on fan "donations" will go directly to press physical CD copies of Let the Blood Run.

Check out the streams below, buy the album here, and if you haven't yet, Facebook them here.

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Thrashline: Jungle Rot dates, Marauding Ghouls, New Legionary song, and more!!!

2012-01-04T23:40:00.000-08:00

Cincinnati's BEYOND THE DIVIDE has just released a new video for the song Hate Needs a Face as a taste for their upcoming album Dead Man's Porn. This is a stomping' metal tune with a head banging ominous riff throughout. Damn heavy! The album will be available as a FREE download on January 17th. Check back with them on Facebook for details on snatching up the album.

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The anticipation for NY's LEGIONARY to finally release their album Arcane Divisions has hit another peak. The death metal masters have unleashed another song off the upcoming album. The song, titled Embracing Trauma, kicks ass with tight musicianship and a drummer that is nothing less than a freakin' machine! Check it out below and then keep your eye out here for the album release date.

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Germany's MORTAL INFINITY have released a couple new songs from their upcoming District Destruction release. I liked their already-available songs, but the new ones really kick ass - especially the tune Radical Response. It begins with a slow stomp and never lets up on the heaviness, moving into speedy verses and a chorus that is sure to work the mosh pit into a fury.

Check out this monster song below and if you haven't liked them on Facebook yet, here's your chance, pal.

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I am all for pimping JUNGLE ROT's upcoming tour dates in dream-hazed hopes that they will eventually hit the Kansas City area. For those of you in the path of this rolling juggernaut, get in front and let it crush you, you lucky bastard.

MARCH OF DEATH TOUR

w/DEICIDE, JUNGLE ROT, ABIGAIL WILLIAMS, LECHEROUS NOCTURNE

3/01 - West Springfield, VA - Jaxx
3/02 - Reading, PA - Reverb
3/03 - New York, NY - The Gramercy Theatre
3/04 - Montreal, QUE - FouFounes
3/05 - Quebec City, QUE - Imperial de Quebec
3/06 - Toronto, ONT - Opera House
3/07 - Rochester, NY - Montage Music Hall
3/08 - Cleveland, OH - Peabody’s
3/09 - Detroit, MI - Blondie’s
3/10 - Chicago, IL - Reggie’s Rock Club
3/11 - Mankato, MN - The Whats Up Lounge
3/12 - Winnipeg, MB - The Osbourne Village Inn
3/13 - Regina, SK - The Exchange
3/14 - Edmonton, AL - Starlite
3/15 - Calgary, AL - Dickens
3/16 - Kelowna , BC - Rutland Centennial Hall
3/17 - Vancouver, BC - Rickshaw Theater
3/18 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon
3/19 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre
3/20 - San Francisco, CA - The Grand Ballroom
3/21 - West Hollywood, CA - House of Blues
3/22 - Flagstaff, AZ - The Orpheum Theater
3/23 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Complex
3/24 - Denver, CO - Bluebird Theater
3/26 - Dallas, TX - Trees
3/27 - Austin, TX - Emo’s Alternative Lounging
3/28 - New Orleans, LA - The Hangar
3/29 - Orlando, FL - The Club at Firestone

Headlining Dates

3/31 - Baltimore MD - Sonar
4/01 - Frederick, MD - Cafe 611
4/02 - Trenton, NJ - Championship Bar
4/03 - Albany, NY - Bogies
4/04 - Hampton Beach, NH - Wallys Pub
4/05 - Buffalo, NY - Broadway Joe's
4/06 - Portage, IN - Camelot Hall
4/07 - Crest Hill, IL - Bada Brew

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REDMIST DESTRUCTION's new album Nobility in Death is ready for your pre-order and will be shipped out on January 26th! The bonus: Free postage and it only costs £7 (or roughly $11 as of this writing). If you're interested, check it out here!

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Have you heard of the Czech Republic thrashers SIXTH DIMENSION? Well, now that you have and can't take it back, you may as well give their one available song a listen. The song, titled "Smrt za smrt" is a decent metal tune with plenty of head banging beats and a chorus that will force you to chant the song's title (as you wonder, what the f**k is a "SMRT?").

Check out the song below and then Facebook them here. SMRT!!!

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Now HERE is a killer band out of San Fernando Valley that will give your punk/metal lovin' ass a swift kick into the pit. MARAUDING GHOULS effortlessly blends bits of epic metal, speed, and balls-out rock with their onslaught of fist-flying old-school hardcore. Man, I love this kind of teeth-grinding aggression in my music. Bad. ASS.

Check them out below and hit them up on Facebook.

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Thrashmen LOST WORLD ORDER has released a trailer for their upcoming album titled Parasites. By the sound of this, February 24th can't come fast enough!

Lenny Troo Frasher: The Retrothrash Poem

2012-01-04T22:16:00.001-08:00

Ecopolis wishes you a Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T01:29:00.000-08:00

San Jose's ECOPOLIS is starting off the new year by offering their two available songs as a free download on their Reverbnation page!

They will be offering this for one week only, so take advantage while you can.

I had to give their musical charity a quick plug because speaking as a fan of deathrash filled with speed, groove, and raw aggression, Ecopolis cranks out some top notch stuff. If you don't believe me, check out the goodies below, download them here, and then Facebook them here to say "Happy New Year!"

Weekend Breakdown: Jack Devil, Beyond the Divide, OrckOut, T.C.L.

2011-12-29T01:54:00.000-08:00

We're doing the Weekend Breakdown post early because I've been such a Scrooge with the lack of posting lately. So, in the spirit of Christmas, I thought I would make penance with you all and keep the holiday spirit alive with a Weekend Breakdown post that features bands that are giving away their tunes for free.

So here's a late Merry Christmas present! I hope you find something you like. Let's get into it!

JACK DEVIL
Brazil's thrash metallers JACK DEVIL freaking rock. Period. These dudes slam out some gritty speed thrash with riffs evocative of Justice-area Metallica minus the weighty prog wankery. The flow and dynamics of the songs sound effortless, offering up slabs of kick-ass thrash that is both harsh and fun as hell to listen to.

Songs such as Under the Metal Command, Road to Hell, and Violent Invasion show how screamingly bad-ass and uncompromising metal should be played. So how awesome is it that they are offering their album up for a free download? Completely.

Thanks, Jack Devil!

Check them out below and download their album here.

BEYOND THE DIVIDE
As of this writing, Cincinnati's BEYOND THE DIVIDE have only one song available for a free download. The song, titled Payment, is a catchy mid-paced thrasher with cool breakdowns, and a main riff that gets me moving every time (especially when it kicks in after the chorus). Vocalist Mike Reichert's voice brings to mind Phil Rind of Sacred Reich with a hint of Hetfield.

The big bonus here is that on January 17th, 2012, Beyond the Divide will make their entire album available as a free download!

Get a taste below and then be ready to get your thrashin' freebie this January! Facebook them here.

ORCKOUT
Brazil's ORCKOUT plays a crushing brand of modern thrash metal that manages to capture bits of the sludge-filled NOLA sound, Chicago doom, and even some Seattle grunge for flavor. OrckOut's musical mix makes for an interesting hard rock/thrash hybrid that might draw the favor of metal fans who aren't looking for smiley-faced rainbows in their music.

OrckOut has bestowed us with a whopping nine free songs (so far) for download, including three new ones!

Check them out below and them hit them up on Facebook to snag the free tunes.

T.C.L.
Yes, it's no secret that I love me some hardcore. Without crossover taking up space in my thrash arsenal, I'd only be a half-full headbanger. Which brings me to Japan's T.C.L., a hardcore band that blends searing noise and sonic insanity with some straight-forward mosh inducing riffs.

T.C.L. might not be for the average traditional thrasher, but their music is hard hitting nonetheless. Still interested? Check out the tune below and then visit their Facebook page to download their four available tracks for free!

18 Wheels of Justice's Christmas gift!

2011-12-23T22:36:00.000-08:00

The guys from the Boston metal powerhouse 18 WHEELS OF JUSTICE are offering their Execution album as a free download during this holiday weekend!

Head over to their Reverbnation page and take advantage of the band's Yuletide joy. Afterward, hit them up on Facebook and thank them for the gift!

Thanks, 18WoJ!

If, by chance, you are stumbling upon this page after the Ghost of Christmas Present became the Ghost of Christmas Past, go check out 18 Wheels of Justice anyway (or click here to see the small write-up I posted about them on this here blog).

Merry Christmas!

Thrash Zone Radio

2011-12-20T20:13:00.000-08:00

There is a relatively new online radio station called Thrash Zone Radio that is dedicated to this blog's favorite genre of metal.

These guys play all things THRASH, from crossover, Bay Area, Teutonic, new wave, old-school, underground, and everything in between. If you're a fan, this station is for you.

For a direct link, go here. If you're streaming iTunes, hit them up in Radio - Hard Rock/Metal - Thrash Zone Radio.

If you're interested, Facebook them here.

Daxx & Roxane ROCKS!

2011-12-20T00:10:00.000-08:00

A big hat tip to Basile Golaz for tipping me off on Montreux's DAXX & ROXANE.

Yes, Daxx & Roxane doesn't seem to be the most "metal" name for a band, but when the riffs rock this hard, the band could be called Rainbow Farts and I would still proudly pimp these guys on my blog.

The essence of Daxx & Roxane's music is pure hard rock. It's as if the band originally set out to write tunes influenced by AC/DC and Deep Purple but took a detour and riffed their way into the land of Kill Em All, Ace of Spades, and Among the Living.

This is not a knock on Daxx & Roxane. Truthfully, the mix of influences in their music absolutely works. As I listen to these guys, I just can't get over the bad-ass catchy riffs, used as the electrically charged building blocks for creating monstrous horn-up metal. Killer!

The vocals harken back to classic 80s metal. I'm not simply speaking about the sound of vocalist Cédric Pfister's voice, but also his patterns and melodies which express a clear understanding of melding with the music instead of just screaming on top of it.

I dig it, man.

Check out the tunes below and then go holler at them on Facebook.

Weekend Breakdown: Exzeltic, Mortal Infinity, Drunkards, Terror Detonator, Captain Trips

2011-12-15T22:01:00.000-08:00

EXZELTIC
Dublin's EXZELTIC offers up a healthy dose of old-school thrash with hints of traditional and power metal. The song writing is top-notch with both catchy sharp riffs as well as old Megadeth-esque rolling riffage. This is all topped with truly epic solos and some killer raspy vocals similar to Rodney Dunsmmore of Devastation.

Even as I write this, I grow in excitement over how kick-ass this band is and how much potential the future holds for them. Exzeltic is a band to keep an eye on.

Check out their tunes below and then definitely hit them up on Facebook.

MORTAL INFINITY
Modern German thrashers MORTAL INFINITY hammer your teeth in with some monstrous angst-ridden metal. Mortal's thrash attack has plenty of speedy moments, complete with the barrage of double bass drumming and Slayer spider riffs. The balance between the speed, the mid-paced slam, and the Bolt Thrower-like slow grind make for a killer time jamming to Mortal Infinity's crushing tunes. Awesome.

Check out the songs below and hit them up on their Facebook page to download some FREE metal!

DRUNKARDS
Italy's DRUNKARDS tear through their brand of thrashy speed punk like an explosion of controlled chaos. Part rock and part punk thrash, Drunkards hammer out some unusual riffing and acid-throat vocals. For fans of music on the fringe.

Check out their tune below and then hit them up here.

TERROR DETONATOR
Greece's TERROR DETONATOR roll out their thrash-fueled crossover like a grime-covered boulder. Their raw, meaty riffs and throat-torn vocals thrash hard, bringing to mind the gutter punk rage of Violentor and Speedboozer. The touches of traditional thrash and even some grind add well-placed layers to Terror Detonator's mass of violent music.

Check out the tune below and find out more about them here and here.

CAPTAIN TRIPS
Out of Stillwater, MN, the mighty metal trio CAPTAIN TRIPS guide us through their music with an array of killer chunky thrash riffs and song structures that hint at bits of Slayer and Nuclear Assault. Captain Trips sound like they write music with a sense of pure pleasure, and even come off at times as if they are on an ad-libbed jam. It's raw and fun.

Listen to their homage to John Carpenter below and then Facebook them here to download some free tunes!

New Tantara song!

2011-12-11T12:48:00.000-08:00

Oh, yeah! Thashmasters TANTARA have released the song Trapped in Bodies, which will be included on their upcoming full-length album.

The track sounds amazing, full of sharp riffs, epic solos, and straight-ahead head banging thrash.

So mark this as the beginning of a huge metal onslaught Tantara will unleash soon after the new year. If the rest of the new album is as good as Trapped in Bodies, Tantara will have a jump start on the best thrash album of 2012.

Check out the song below!

Weekend Breakdown: Like a Texas Murder, Battlecreek, and Vivisection!

2011-12-03T23:16:00.000-08:00

LIKE A TEXAS MURDER
First of all, here is a big THANK YOU to the dude's in Six In Line for directing me to what has become one of my new favorite bands. If you are a fan of more hardcore-leaning crossover thrash like I am, then by all mean check out Brazil's LIKE A TEXAS MURDER. Cool name. Cooler tunes.

The dynamics in their music is stellar. I'm not talking simply about the effortless crunch of the guitars and flow of the drums, but also the standout performances by vocalists Gabriel and Leo. It shouldn't be surprising, but it's amazing how killer sounding vocals coupled with a vocal pattern that enhances the music can make a good band great. In this case, they make a great band nearly perfect.

The production of their albums, in particular their album Tudo de Ruim, sounds devastating. The speedy parts are explosive and will twist your head off, while the breakdowns build and release with agonizing power.

Check out a couple samples below, stream the sh*t out of them over at their Bandcamp page, and then hit them up on Facebook.

BATTLECREEK
Taking notes from the more aggressive side of the old-school thrash masters, Germany's BATTLECREEK crank out a vicious onslaught of tight riffs, badass guitar solos, and searing vocals. A big thumbs up to guitarist Christian Meisl for creating a literal wall of sound with a one-guitar attack. Battlecreek bring the tight speed of Gama Bomb and the ferocious bite of Warbringer and combine it into a sonic weapon of monstrous, throat-ripping intensity. This is thrash f**king metal.

Check out the streaming tune as well as Battlecreek's sick and darkly funny video for their song Psycho Torture. Afterward, if you're so inclined, Facebook them here.

VIVISECTION
Sometimes there is power behind wild abandon. When I first came across Wisconsin's VIVISECTION, the recording and sound of the band came off as a bit too raw and loose. At the time I felt this hurt the dynamics of the songs, hampering my interest which sent Vivisection back into my thrash limbo cloud where literally hundreds of thrash bands float around, pimping out amateurish and tedious attempts at songwriting.

The thing is, Vivisection is anything but amateurish and they definitely are not tedious. I kept reaching back into my limbo cloud, pulling Vivisection out for a listen and discovering a band with solid riffs, killer song structures, and bloodthirsty vocals. These guys started to have me hooked!

Over repeated listens, that raw and loose sound had morphed into a pissed beast of a metal band, one that I believe will continue to grow.

Vivisection are not quite perfect, but they are damn good and it may be worth it to keep your eye on them to see what they plan to unleash in the future. I know I will.

Listen to their tune Living Dead below, go here to download it for FREE (thanks, guys!), and then hit them up on Facebook.

Thrashline: News on Entrials, Insinnerator, Magnetron, Paralyzer and more!

2011-12-01T00:03:00.000-08:00

Scratch the Surface Webzine has a cool interview with ENTRAILS guitarist Jimmy Lundquist. Entrials, a band that cranks out punishing old-school Swedish death metal, are in writing mode for album number three. Why is this news a big deal? Well, if you're a fan of this particular genre, listen to the streaming vids below and after you say, "Holy SH*T!" then go like them on Facebook here.

Just…brutal.

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According to this sweet graphic I snagged off FAITHREAT's Facebook page, they will have a new 7" coming soon. If you like punk-infused metal, you need to give these crossover crushers a hard listen.

Here, I made it easy for you:

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HAVOK fans know by now that the Denver thrashers have a new video out for their killer tune DOA. However, if I didn't report it here then I wouldn't be a very good NWOTM blogger guy, would I? On the off chance that one or two of you haven't yet heard Havok's stuff, I'm obligated to offer up a golden opportunity. Man, this blog rocks.

Anyway, I dig the look of the video. These guys really, really like greeeeeeen.

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Denmark's HELL'S DOMAIN has a new website up. According to the band, the site is "more of a page with a logo and some songs to listen to actually! Either way, pay it a visit…"

I agree! Go pay it a visit and feed your ears.
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Check out the new album cover for INSINNERATOR's upcoming album. I mentioned it before that the art makes me want to roll up some old-school D&D characters and kill some ice monsters! Insinnerator have not issued a release date, but you can follow them here to stay updated. Of course The NWOTM Blog will spill the news as soon as I get it.

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As of this writing, Jersey City hood thrashers LETHAL STRIKE are looking for a guitarist. Live in the area? Moving to the area? Oh yeah…play GUITAR? Check out Lethal Strike here to listen to their songs and catch up on any info you may need.

If you're not interested in trying out for the band, check them out anyway and jam out to some kick-ass metal!

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Storming out of the Netherlands is the debut album from the mighty MAGNETRON titled A Measured Timeframe. I can't comment on the music just yet because my copy has not yet arrived, but based off streaming vid these guys released of the song Compulsory Communication, it is going to be killer!

Give it a listen below and if you dig it, order it here.

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Johnson City, TN's PARALYZER have completed their four track EP titled Hellish Demise. Although these guys play straight-forward, kick-ass, chug-a-thon thrash metal, they also throw in little nuances of speedy spider-like riffage that march right along with their brand of metallic brutality. Every song has moments of head banging bliss to keep the pits rolling in a live setting.

Our friends over at Skull Fracturing Metal posted a positive review of Hellish Demise. Check that out , then check out Paralyzer here.

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In case you didn't already know, you can legally download the new SAVAGE MESSIAH album Plague of Conscience over at the Earache website for FREE. Thanks, Earache! You're good people!
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One of my new favorite thrash bands on the block, THRASH OR DIE, have released a video for their song Terrorvision! Check it out below and hit them up here to get a hold of their album, the modern thrash classic Poser Holocaust!

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Emmett Ewing, the headmaster of the Skull Fracturing Metal Zine has a new metal review blog up called Nightmare Reality Webzine. This blog features ONLY reviews of old-school metal albums, so hit them up here and enjoy. You might find something you haven't heard before. I'm just happy NRW is giving up so much Bolt Thrower love. Nothing is heavier than Bolt Thrower. Nothing.

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Guitar World posted a 13 minute interview with WARBRINGER guitarist John Laux!
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The new VEKTOR album Outer Isolation is out! Oh, you knew that? Again, I have to include the info to remain a good NWOTM blogger guy.

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Now when is LICH KING going to put out album #4 Born of the Bomb? This album is taking longer than their merch shipping time.

The NWOTM Blog: Year One!

2011-11-29T16:15:00.000-08:00

Last November I got the idea to start a blog featuring new wave of thrash bands and their influences.

Now, a year later, The NWOTM Blog is going strong, highlighting bands both signed and unsigned from all over the world. The NWOTM Blog Facebook page has gained a stunning amount of followers, and I am thankful to all the bands and fans who frequently visit that page.

When I began The NWOTM Blog, the original intent was always to feature the local band from down the block. Your friend's band. The local thrash band that kicks the hell out of that 7th tier signed metal group they opened for last weekend. Of course I would write about some of the big boys from the old and new school, but the grassroots is where it's at. There are so many hidden gems floating around the dark corners of the internet that it would almost be a disservice of this blog to not bring them to the forefront.

The hidden gems appeal to me so much because I remember what it's like to be in a band, trying to get your name and music out to the potential fans. Getting a band's name in articles, reviews and on posters is a big deal and although some don't want to admit they need it, such promotion gives a little validation to all the blood and sweat a band pours into their art. When others take notice, it's freaking cool.

Of course, beyond the "cool" factor of having your band included in an article or review is the solid promotion. It adds a few more Facebook "likes" and maybe a couple more albums sold. Ah, the swelling of the fan base. That's where I like to help.

First and foremost, I am a fan of thrash metal (obviously). So naturally, I want to see killer thrash bands thrive.

A year ago I would do a lot of digging for new bands, with successful discoveries almost every time I searched the net. The amount of incredible thrash bands out there writing new music is astounding. I can't keep up!

When I came across bands such as Sword of Judgement, Unhoped, Shredhead, 4ARM, Ecopolis, Hellbrain, and many others, I was blown away with the discovery, eager to share them with you all.

Now since The NWOTM Blog has taken flight, I don't have to do too much digging anymore because I get flooded with requests from bands all over the world for a demo feature or review. I'm not complaining - I freaking' LOVE it! My only problem is the time to write about all this great music I am hearing. Although writing about ALL these awesome bands is near impossible, I do the best I can.

The ROCKS! and the Weekend Breakdown posts (as well as this whole blog) are essentially love letters to my favorite genre of metal as well as a Thank You to those flying its flag.

Now I can't end this post without mentioning a few words about the one and only Lenny Troo Frasher.

Lenny was born of the ridiculous and self-contradicting insults that are spewed all over the web regarding the NWOTM. The "thrash elitist" (hahaha) who believes that new = sucks. Frankly, the attitude of "I love thrash so much that I hate thrash" confounds me. Although the absurdity of such an attitude is maddening, absurdity leads to good comedy.

Enter Lenny Troo Frasher.

His elitist take on new thrash makes him the butt of the joke, even through his own scathing insults hurled toward the genre - a genre of music he claims to love as long as it's not put out after 1990.

The addition of the Lenny Troo Frasher comic to the blog had the site hits go through the roof every time a new one is posted. I'm happy you all enjoy the running gag as much as I like writing it.

Now as far as what I really like about The NWOTM Blog (other than getting free music) is the correspondence with the bands and their fans. I love talking thrash! One guy named Christopher G. commented to me, "Dude, this is the only blog I even care about."

That meant a lot to me, offered me a ton of validation for the love I put into promoting my favorite genre of metal, and helps me keep going.

So thank you all for sticking around to watch this blog grow. My hope is that The NWOTM Blog will be around for at least another year.

Stay metal!

\m/

- r. lawrence blake

Weekend Breakdown: Testimony, Toxifix, Insane, Armament, and Besegra

2011-11-26T21:43:00.000-08:00

As I was preparing another Thrashline post, I realized I had a few new bands in there that actually warranted a Weekend Breakdown post. After all, it is the weekend. So I decided to make everything alright in this world and offer up...

TESTIMONY
Chicago area band TESTIMONY jam out killer prog-leaning thrash, centering more on a good metal ass-kicking than high-brow wankery. With their EP Transcending Reality, Testimony grab the listener and rock with interesting dynamics and killer musicianship. Although the songs are not quickie stompers (they range from five to over seven minutes each), fans of intricate and speedy riffs will never get bored.

Check out the song below and then keep an eye on their Facebook page for news on the official release of Transcending Reality.

TOXIFIX
Another notch in the killer metal scene in Texas is Dallas's TOXIFIX. With influences ranging from thrash, death, and blackened thrash, Toxifix hammers with a winding punch of insane riffs and sick vocals. Their album, titled Rise From the Ashes, sounds raw (in a good way) and although the weird vocal effect might turn off some listeners, I feel it adds a layer of intensity to the music - especially in the song Gravedigger.

If this sounds good to you, then GREAT! Because these crazy metalheads are offering their songs as a FREE download! FREE THRASH!

Thank them by liking their Facebook page.

INSANE
Old-freakin'-school! I know, most of the bands I feature on this blog have that sound, but Sweden's INSANE boast a warm mix of thrash and traditional metal that sounds like it should only be played on scratched-up vinyl and 3rd generation tape trades. This is metal you can sink into, sprout a pair of iron balls, and aggressively pound thy head and fist. Cool riffs and bad-ass solos abound, Insane is an insanely fun listen (see what I did there? I'm so clever).

Check them out below and then check them out here.

ARMAMENT
Los Angeles metalers ARMAMENT are streaming their Metal Anarchy EP now! Two of the songs, Fight and Paranoia of Conspiracy are available as a free download. Armament cranks out some killer thrash with a vocalist reminds me a bit of Mike Muir, although not so much in voice as in vocal lines and patterns. The last minute to their song Paranoia of Conspiracy is a non-stop pit-inducing thrasher! Check 'em out!

To download the tunes or get a copy of their EP, hit them up on Facebook here.

BESEGRA
Looking for even more free thrash? Of course! Canadian deathrashers BESEGRA have three songs (including one "unedited" instrumental) available as a free download. Besegra streams together energetic, melodic and brutal riffs to help further damage your hearing. The main riff to Slaughterhouse is killer! My only compliant is that the vocals are a bit overbearing in the mix, usurping some of the riffage power. Other than that, I'm digging these guys.

Listen below and hit them up on Facebook here to snatch up their songs.

Dead Head ROCKS!

2011-11-21T20:46:00.000-08:00

You know, it happen to the best of us…meaning me. I come across a band that I've never heard and think, "Wow! Cool new band!"

So after listing to a couple tunes, if I'm really interested, I might try to dig up more info on the band.

Then it comes to light that the "cool new band" actually formed around 22 years ago.

Such was the case when I recently discovered Holland's own Dead Head.

I know, I know. Some of you out there are saying, "You've never heard of Dead Head?!"

No, I never heard of Dead Head - that is, not until I stumbled upon their Bandcamp page. Like I said: it happens to the best of us. So thank God for Bandcamp!

Anyway, now that I know the name of Dead Head, I should at least offer penance of my ignorance by giving them a big fat plug here on the NWOTM Blog.

The first song I heard from these guys is the blistering thrash track titled Firegate off their Depression Tank album.

The tune features vocalist Ralph de Boer, who boasts a killer set of pipes. Boer guides us through the chaos of Dead Head's frantic riffs with commanding form that brings to mind the savagery of Sadus and Demolition Hammer.

The music itself is relentless and cut throat. As someone who is not familiar with Dead Head's early recordings, I can completely understand why I was mistaken into thinking these guys were a new band. They sound f**king HUNGRY. If after over 20 years of cranking out thrash they can still put out something that is this fresh sounding, then I can't wait to dive into their past releases.

Check out Firegate below, and then go to their Bandcamp page to download it for free. Facebook them here and then bookmark their web site.

DEAD HEAD!

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://deadhead.bandcamp.com/track/firegate"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Firegate by Deadhead&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Thrashline: Disposable, Invection, RedMist Destruction review, and more!

2011-11-13T02:24:00.000-08:00

It's been over a week since my last post, so I am combining the Thrashline post with the Weekend Breakdown post. Below, you'll get your fill of both news bits and killer new bands you may not yet have heard.

So let's gear up for this week's

• Scotland's DISPOSABLE have a killer 3-song EP titled The Disposable EP available as a free download here. Some of you may be thinking, "Who?" Well, now that you know the name and where you can snatch up their tunes, check out Disposable's brand of galloping, neck-thrashing METAL! No matter what you think of these guys, there is no way you can't move when they kick into their mid-tempo chug-a-thons. Quality stuff here, my friends. For freaking' FREE!!

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• Australian metal men 4ARM have signed a world-wide record deal with RISING RECORDS! I'm excited to see that 4ARM's music will be easily accessible to those outside of their country. Also, I'm hoping that such a deal will result in a U.S. tour (HA! It's always about me, isn't it?).

Anyway, check out their band profile on the Rising Records website! Nice!
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• Let's keep our feet firmly planted in Australia for another moment. Sydney's thrash metallers HEAD IN A JAR have recently released their 4 song EP titled Atomic Circus. The album is pure aggressive fun, and damn, it sounds good! One of my favorites is Judge Mental with its rolling riffage that could make a dead man move. Give it a listen below, buy their Atomic Circus on iTunes, and then hit them up on Facebook.

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• It's been a long road, but now California's INVECTION will finally be releasing their debut album on Nov 15th through Stormspell Records. Get a taste of Facet of Aberration with the song sample below. Yes, it kicks ass. Infinity.

Two Faced Lie by Invection
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• LICH KING released a video of Mr. Rob recording a solo for for the song Agnosticism which should be on their upcoming album Born of the Bomb. His finger styling appear as Rob may have an old-school Dexterity stat of at least 17. Since he plays in Lich King, he has a Constitution of 18 and Charisma of…I dunno…8?

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• Sweden's PARANORM have offered up their new six-song album titled Pandemonium's Rise as a FREE download. Paranorm play straight-forward thrash with hints of progressive elements, traditional metal, and melody to mix with the harsh vocals. Killer! Listen below and check them out here.

Aggressive Inhibitions by Paranorm on Grooveshark

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• RedMist Destruction is on the verge of unleashing their new album Nobility in Death onto the public, and I have been lucky enough to hear it. Nobility is a killer album full of punchy, memorable riffs, gruff vocals, and dynamic song structures. RedMist Destruction plays thrash that truly embraces its raw punk roots, blending crossover with a crushing, and at times melodic, modern thrash stomp.

The musicianship is in top form, with parts of each song containing what are essentially mini-epics of dynamic valleys and peaks. Nobility in Death is an album that towers high in its achievements of catchy aggression, speed, twisting riffs, melody, and hard galloping crunch. RedMist Destruction recorded one hell of a metal album.

Stay tuned, because you'll want to pick this one up.
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• HELLsingborg troublemakers SIX IN LINE have a new song streaming titled Plata o Plomo. As with the past 6iL tunes, this one rocks just as hard, if not more. I have stated in the past that their tunes bring to mind a thrashier version of the band Scissorfight, and Plata o Plomo is no exception. This is not to say that 6iL are mired down as a knock-off band by any means. Similarities to possible influences be damned, because these guys definitely rock with their own sound. It's punk influenced grime thrash with mid-tempo punch, and the crazy off-kilter riffs make 6iL tunes kick that much more ass.

By the way - for some reason, every time I listen to Plata o Plomo, the gang vocals at the 31 second mark always manage to scare the living sh*t out of me. I swear I jump every time.

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• Speaking of punk-infused gutter thrash (and I mean that in the highest regard), our friends in SPEEDB‪OOZER have posted a couple more new songs.‬ These tunes are raw as hell, but just try not to slam around to the thrash 'n' roll riffage of the tune Metal Punk. Hell, yeah! This tune was built for the live show, man! Crude, rude and completely unwashed - I love this stuff!

-------------------------------------

• Here's a quick plug for all you old-school death metal fans. Give Wittier, CA's own SKELETAL REMAINS a look. Good, heavy tunes and a vocalist that reminds me of a cross between John Tardy and Rodney Dunsmore of Devastation. Killer!

--------------------------------------------

• Another young band out of California is VENGENCE. These guys jam out aggressively evil thrash. Vengence hammer out some thunderous riffs, all wrapped around some stellar songwriting. Check out their tunes below and then hit them up on Facebook here.

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• What's this? VINDICATOR released a new demo track! Is it everything you've been wait for? Of course! Hit play below and thrash it up!

Weekend Breakdown: Deathraiser, Subhuman, Head Crusher, and Vehement

2011-11-04T22:04:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I am far behind in my reviews and wanted to get a couple written, but I also haven't posted a new Weekend Breakdown for a while. The backup of bands I have in waiting is overwhelming and I could have made this post an obnoxiously long one, featuring a dozen bands, but if I had time for that we wouldn't have so few posts this month, right?

Right.

So let's get into this week's...

DEATHRAISER
There are a slew of thrash bands that try to convey a deep meaning in their songwriting, holding the listener tenderly with moody transitions, overlong intros, and toe-tapping choruses. Others just want to tear your f***ing throat out.

Brazil's DEATHRAISER hammers out slaughtering thrash that rubs your face hard in the gravel of its relentless speed and aggression. These guys take a stripped-down Kreator approach to thrash and kick the speed up to almost unmanageable proportions. Do want the fury of a non-stop thrash assault? Then by all means, get your hands on Deathraiser's Violent Aggression album and let it pummel your ears bloody. Completely bad-ass.

Check out the streaming vids and then hit them up on Facebook.

SUBHUMAN
Italy's SUBHUMAN play killer death/thrash that is as tight and technically sound as it is brutal. The drums and guitars roll together in razor sharp precision, laying out a fierce foundation for vocalist "Zula" Ferzola's throat-mangling charge.

Subhuman slams out fast and searing metal. For those who lean on the death side of aggressive tunage, check them out below and then Facebook them here.

HEAD CRUSHER
HEAD CRUSHER originally formed in Colombia and are now located in Texas, forging a 10-year history of spreading their brand of Cavalera-tinged thrash/hardcore/death. These guys crank out fat hooks that combines vicious speed with mid-tempo groove. At times, they layer the songs with passionate slices of atmosphere to let the music take off in flight before nailing them back down with aggressive riffage. Cool stuff.

Listen below and follow them here.

VEHEMENT
We go back to Italy to find some crushing modern thrash in the form of VEHEMENT. These guys use many tools within the various extreme music genres to create their metal.Vehement pack a punch with a hammering onslaught of guitars and vocals that hint of aggressive hardcore without going completely crossover. At times, you'll catch a curve ball such as the NOLA-esque riffs and vocals in All That's Behind and the painfully brutal sludge in The Slow Drowning of Mortality.

Vehement is a killer band that blends its influences into coherent slabs of mean freaking' METAL. Check them out below and follow them here (If the stream below isn't working, go here to listen to their available streaming songs).

Thrashline: Ghoul, Possessor, Raw Dawgs, Gama Bomb, and more!

2011-10-26T22:10:00.000-07:00

Liverpool's BLUDVERA are scheduled to record their upcoming EP in November. As of this writing, confirmed track titles include Conjure the Dead, Reanimator, Citizen Monopoly and Voyage Beyond the System. I don't know how soon they plan to unleash the new material on the public, but I'm ready!
------------------------------

San Jose's ECOPOLIS has recruited Marcus Giddings as the band's new drummer. However, they are still on the outlook for a new vocalist! If you are unfamiliar with Ecopolis's brand of stompin' deathrash, click here and enjoy! Killer, killer stuff!
------------------------------

Splatterthrash giants GHOUL have their most recent release Transmission Zero available as a digital download for a whopping $6.66 over on their Bandcamp page. It should also be in the stores as you read this. To give you an idea of how good this album is, head over to the Skull Fracturing Metal Zine and read their review.

Also, for the Ghoulish fans out there, "Japan Nick" Perkel posted an interview with singer/guitarist Digestor here.
------------------------------

St. Paul's non-moshists IN DEFENCE are a featured band on the Midwest Thrash Attack 7" which includes other bands Stand Off, Choose Your Poison, and Damage Deposit. You can pick it up through Profane Existence Distribution.

------------------------------

Check out the pure bad-assery of the new album art from Virginia's POSSESSOR for their new release City Built With Skulls! You gotta love the flyer on the far right of the picture showing Possessor headlining a gig over the Big Four.

As far as I know, this album will be available in November, so keep you eyes glued to their Facebook page for new info.

------------------------------

Celtic metal masters Raw Dawgs have put up a YouTube page. Really, there's not much on there right now, but I wanted to mention it as an excuse to post their unusually goofy video for the song Lord of Illusions!

------------------------------

California thrashers SCYTHE will embark on a mini promo tour within the Bay Area. A promo tour? Yep! Meet up with these guys who will be passing out band materials, demos, and trying like hell to network with all you metalheads. Those of you outside of the Bay Area should check out their EP The Seventh Day on iTunes, Zune, or Amazon. Those of you who are within driving distance, hit them up at the following dates:

Nov. 4th - San Francisco (close to Fisherman's Wharf)
Nov. 5th - Berkeley (Berkeley University)/ Concord (The Red Hat)
Nov. 6th - WHEREVER THE HELL WE WAKE UP!!! (Most likely Hayward)
------------------------------

Popular crossover kings SSS will embark on their Problems to the Answer European Tour 2011. I'm stuck all the way over here in Kansas City, so I won't be attending any of these killer shows. However, if you're in the area, go thrash and support!

------------------------------

Speaking of Kansas City, I have some sad news from the hood: local punk/thrash slammers The Tards have officially disbanded. I'm not 100% sure as to what caused the break-up, but according to the band's Facebook post, vocalist Keegan Smith quit after guitarist Mike Smith and bassist Tom Nieves played a Tards song acoustically on a radio show (?). I'm sure that there is more to the story (or backstory), but whatever the circumstances, I wish the guys good luck on future endeavors.
------------------------------

Finally, I going to pimp a YouTube channel called The Underground Attack. According to the channel's chief operator Emmet J. Kiernan, The Underground Attack is "The voice of Irish underground music, here to let you find the best bands you've never heard of!"

I like it because he's featuring killer bands such as Psykosis and the aforementioned Raw Dawgs. However, he also features bands most thrash fans HAVE heard of, such as the modern thrash legends Gama Bomb.

Check out Parts 1 and 2 of a chat he had with Gama Bomb below and then subscribe to his channel. You can never have enough thrash-related vids in your life, right?

Lich King teaser to...Born of the Bomb!

2011-10-22T10:38:00.000-07:00

Lich King have announced Born of the Bomb as the title of their upcoming 4th album in a video teaser released earlier today.

I am hyper excited to hear this album. The rough mix of Combat Mosh is killer, as is the background music to the teaser vid. Let us not forget that the cover art is one of the best, most eye-catching of all the Lich King albums (in my humble opinion).

So when is Born of the Bomb going to be out? Dunno. I imagine sometime next year, but I hope it is sooner than later. When I find out, I'll let ya'll know.

Check out the teaser below.

Thrashline: Exhorder gone?, new Smash Potater, Speedboozer and more!

2011-10-21T22:42:00.000-07:00

There will be no Weekend Breakdown post this time around, but in this week's Thrashline bits of thrash news, there is plenty of kick ass new music to check out. Let's get to it!
--------------------------

If you're like me, you shrugged your shoulders in disappointment after reading the news that vocalist Kyle Thomas and guitarist Jay Ceravolo quit Exhorder, seemingly killing off the band for good.

I guess it was just not meant to happen for these guys. I have been waiting with my hands wringing in mouth-slobbery excitement over the upcoming new Exhorder album. Well, poop.

I can only imagine that they have demoed some new material, no? If so, I wouldn't cry if it were released, even in raw form.

As for the future, I am interested to see if Kyle and Jay decide to continue on another project together. I hope the music is mean as hell.
--------------------------------

Nuclear Torment have taken their creative blood, sweat and time to create a killer EP titled 8 BIT DEATH and have blessed the metal-loving public by offering it as a FREE freaking' download!

The music is bad ass speedy thrash and you would be doing yourself a disservice by not packing 8 BIT DEATH into your music lists. Your MP3 player will thank you.
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Speaking of free thrash, go check out Sabretung immediately and download their full length album Conquest. These Australian thrashers come up with some killer riffs and satisfying song structures that kick them up a notch above most up and coming thrash bands. There is so much good riffage on Sabretung's 9 song release that it's hard to pick a favorite (although The Thing and Eliminate the Weak come to mind). Check it out, bang your head, hit them up on Facebook and tell 'em how much you love 'em.

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Our favorite Illinois super heroes Smash Potater has teamed up with thrash brothers-in-arms Attack Imminent and released a split titled Horrific Halloween Double Creature Feature. Own this piece of underground history for a measly $5! Go here…now!

--------------------------------

As I write this, Alcoholator's new album Coma is streaming in its entirety. Get your dose of alcohol-fueled insanity here. If you like what you hear, the hard copy should be available through EBM Records soon.

--------------------------------

Ireland thrashers Heresy will be changing their name to Animator. A new website and new songs will launch on November 11th. Check out the tune False Flag Attack from their Open Your Eyes album here.

By the way - Thanks to Eoin Clarke for tipping me off on these guys. You rock, man!
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Daniel Jackson filmed a video for the new Thrash Or Die song Street Trash. Any splatter fans out there remember the 80s horror flick this song is based on? I still remember the disgustingly awesome pics in an old issue of Fangoria. Ah, the memories.

Anyway, wake up and smell the thrash and check out the vid for Street Trash below!

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Are you a fan of Stephen King's IT? Of course you are! So you owe it to yourself to check out Windsor, CA's clowncore giants IT. Listen to Pennywise come to life here!
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Guitarist Alonso Maguino has parted ways with NY's Legionary. As I write this, The band is looking for a tight as hell death/thrash player who can fill in the newly vacant spot. If you're interested, check out their Facebook page for info. If you're not interested, go there anyway, like their page and listen to their bad ass tunes!
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U.S. thrash/punk band Speedboozer released a rough mix of their song Gunned Down, a pissed off raw slab of punk-infused metal! Man, I can't wait to hear the rest of the upcoming album! Check this vid stream below.

Review: Evile - Five Serpent's Teeth

2011-10-19T19:53:00.000-07:00

EVILE
Five Serpent's Teeth
Earache

It took me a while to pop out this review of the new EVILE album, but I did not want to be hasty in my write-up. If I'm not going to be at least a tiny bit fair, then I shouldn't post my thoughts about…well, anything I guess.

The reason I say this is because I am not a dyed-in-the-wool fan of Evile's first album. When I first bought Enter the Grave, my interest in the music went up and down, and ultimately it left my CD rotation rather quickly. I just couldn't get into it.

My feelings toward the first album naturally influenced my decision into not buying the second album (Infected Nations). I heard a few tracks online, but I just wasn't interested.

Now, here comes Five Serpent's Teeth, the third album from Evile. Cutting through my settled-in prejudices of how I think I will feel about the music, I listened.

I will cut right to the chase and say that I now have a rejuvenated spirit regarding Enter the Grave and I am eager to hear Infected Nations. Why the sudden change of heart?

Well, that's the thing. It wasn't a "sudden" change of heart. Remembering my first spin of Five Serpent's Teeth, I had no change at all. "Same ol' Evile," I thought.

On further spins, the riffs began to sink in, bringing to mind hints of Justice area Metallica. After that, the partition I built after putting aside the first album came tumbling down and I began to embrace Five Serpent's Teeth as the killer metal album that it is.

What really got the ball rolling for me was the song Cult, which is the first video Evile filmed for this album. The song was a good choice for them to highlight because it's one of the best on the album - a mid-tempo stomper with catchy as hell riffs to match the memorable chorus.

Five Serpent's Teeth is high caliber metal, complete with killer riffage and well constructed solos that add layers of brilliance to each song. Yes, Evile write what are essentially love letters to the thrash titans of yore, but the end result is undeniably Evile in sound and execution.

So what changed in the style that made me see the light? Stylistically, not much. The production is a little too slick for its own good, but a distinct lack of rawness cannot take away from Evile's musical prowess. So, really, I can't put my finger on my new found love for this band except that even quality music can take a while to sink in.

Sometimes, that kind of music is the best anyhow.

Weekend Breakdown: Soul Collector and Eldritch Flamethrower

2011-10-15T23:37:00.000-07:00

I know I said there would not be another Weekend Breakdown post until next week, but I had a little time and was able to assemble a quick write-up of a couple thrash bands that caught my ear.

So here is this week's

SOUL COLLECTOR
Poland's metal gurus SOUL COLLECTOR found an interesting way to grab the best of Slayer and Exodus riffs and throw in some 70s stomp rock sensibilities to come up with a bunch of headbang-inducing catchy metal tunes.

Songs like I Saw and Pure F****ing Evil are fun crushing thrashers with memorable riffs that roll along with the tempo to create fist flying slabs of destruction.

Other songs such as The Stoneface use some classic rock influence, at times sounding as if Nazareth and Overkill collided. It completely stomps ass.

Rafal "Don Vito" Halamoda's vocals lean toward the Zetro side of aggression, offering a tough and gravelly old-school flavor which works perfectly.

Check out the streaming song below and hear live versions on their MySpace page. Facebook them here, and then ask them, "Hey, how can I get a copy of your music?" Then let me know.

ELDRITCH FLAMETHROWER
Based off one unrefined demo track, Oregon's ELDRITCH FLAMETHROWER caught me off guard with a catchy e-string chug-a-thon and sick sense of humor.

Based on the dynamics, the song Human Barbecue is a gift to moshpit aficionados. Speedy, all-out thrash moments followed by the classic mid-tempo stomp, and highlighted by fist-raising gang vocals. What's not to love?

Check out the tune below, thrash about the room, and then hit them up on Facebook here.

Lenny Troo Frasher: Classic vs. new thrash

2011-10-11T23:27:00.000-07:00

Weekend Breakdown: ParaBellum, Fatal Band, 18 Wheels of Justice

2011-10-09T00:36:00.000-07:00

It's been a couple weeks since the last installment of the Weekend Breakdown. Like you, I need my metal fix of new and upcoming bands, but peering into the dark crevices of the World Wide Web to find them takes time.

Well I've been short on time. Sucks.

In fact, I know that it will be at least two more weeks until the next Weekend Breakdown, but bear with me. We'll get through this together.

So let me roll out a few bands that have caught my ear so we may raise each of their metal torches to light our way until the next time we meet.

That was cheesy. Anyway...

ParaBellum
First let's cross paths with Bodmin, UK's PARABELLUM who thought they could sneak under the radar by posting one lousy song. WRONG!

In fact, their song Caged is far from lousy, and if it any indication of what is to come, then ParaBellum will have a solid first release on their hands. These guys thrash with a mix of old-school Big Four love peppered with a hint of Evile for new school flavoring.

Although Caged is not overly complex (not that it needs to be) nor are the solos very memorable, it has some killer pit-worthy moments and the vocals are good, making me more than interested in hearing more from ParaBellum. They have established a solid foundation as a killer thrash band and my hope is that they continue to grow and kick all of our asses.

I'll be watching!

Listen below to Caged and then check them out on Facebook!

Fatal Band
I don't know how to describe Moscow's FATAL BAND except that their brand of…uh…death/grind/prog/thrash is mind blowingly hypnotizing. No, Fatal Band are not for everyone, and their music is not something I can simply jam out to, but the complexity and layers of insanity are freaking fun with which to batter in one's brains.

It's as if the band Death and Mr. Bungle had a cocaine baby, albeit a well disciplined cocaine baby (Fatal Band are intricate and articulate as hell in their songwriting).

Give 'em a shot below and if it suits your tastes, hit Fatal Band up on Facebook. You owe it to your inner-heterogeneous musical tastes that you didn't know existed.

18 Wheels of Justice
Finally I offer you a modern mass of speed, groove, riff-rock and downright evil-sounding crunch that makes up the whole of 18 WHEELS OF JUSTICE. My God do these guys rock! They are far from traditional, but they use old-school techniques of speed-to-mid tempo dynamics to get the neck snapping. The riffs are fat as hell, ranging from pummeling gallops to groovy riff-rock as if Slash would join Clutch and write Slayer riffs. If it's heavy, 18 Wheels of Justice has it in their songwriting arsenal.

Check out their available streaming songs below and after you get back up off the floor, check them out here.

Thrash Or Die interview

2011-10-07T18:52:00.000-07:00

As a kid who grew up on comics, metal, USA Network's Night Flight, and The Muppet Show, you could imagine my giddiness when I first laid eyes on Thrash Or Die's video for Wake Up and Smell the Thrash. The video strikes the right chord of comedic absurdity found in those obscure short films from the late 70s/early 80s…only with more gore.

So it's no surprise that within a week of the Wake Up and Smell the Thrash video's posting, it was passed around the metal community - as well as a posting on Funny or Die - earning the once unknown thrash band tons of new fans.

Yes, the video freaking rocks, but we cannot for a second cast aside the killer tune fueling the all the mayhem on the screen. Thrash Or Die writes music that is an uncompromising and brutal take on 80's speed/thrash worship. So although the video may turn people's heads, the music will twist the head right off the body.

And to think that this is only the beginning for Thrash Or Die!

As a new fan of this band, I had to get a little info on what's behind the phenomenon of Thrash Or Die. I shot off a few questions to voKILList Dr. Fukk which he graciously answered. Check it out!

You're 46 years-old and Thrash Or Die is your first band. Most people start bands in their teens and 20s and then later quit to get real jobs. You seem to be doing the exact opposite of that. Why did you wait so long to start a band? What led up to creating Thrash Or Die?

I have always been a Die Hard Metal fan since the ripe age of 13. My older brother owned Black Sabbath's "Paranoid" and it changed my life. For some reason I have never wanted to be in a band,and I didn't think I had the talent. Hell, I still don't think that,but I get away with it. 4 years ago our guitar player "Hellvomit Sodimizer" (It's his real name, it's been certified by his birth certificate) wanted to start a Thrash band. I thought nothing of it until I bought a copy of Onslaught's "Killing Peace" CD. As I was listening to it I thought to myself "Maybe I can do some thrash type vocals". In the end I was right because everyone and their mom say I sound like either Paul Baloff or Steve Souza. Personally I don't think so, but fuck it, those two singers rule so I'll take it as a compliment. In the end Hellvomit, and I got together and started writing songs. The initial idea was to make a funny Thrash band with songs like "Thrash For Breakfast","Thrashing at the Library","I Thrash on your grave", and "Wake up and smell the Thrash". The only one from that list that survived was "Wake Up and smell the Thrash". We hooked up with a drummer and bass player and recorded a demo of that song,and a cover of "Piranha" by a band called Lord Tracy. We included a couple riffs of "Piranha" by Exodus in the middle of the song. Then I made a cheap video for both songs and it started a Buzz down here in South Florida. After that,the next song we wrote was "Fatal Fury"and I got away from the Thrash type lyrics and wrote it about Addiction's of all type. That's when we started to take this a bit more serious and set out to form a band instead of some goofy elitist type band.

You have mentioned that Thrash Or Die is more of a hobby for you. How do you make time for your band?

Its hard. Everyone in the band works and we all have different work schedules. We meet up late at night to practice. Technically it is a hobby but we take it very serious. There is a lot of hard work involved being in a band that hardly has time for anything,yet somehow we manage to squeeze it in our busy schedule. There is a lot of stress involved in what we do. But in the end it pays off since I have cool motherfuckers like you asking me to do an interview!

Personally, I've never had a problem with thrash songs with themes about thrash metal, mosh pits and beating posers. Why are some people put off by the name of your band and the song titles? Does all thrash metal have to be super-evil serious?

Well, people are different. Some of them like their metal to be serious while others don't. I just write shit I like. The day I write songs for others is the day I should be strung up by my testicles and beaten with a rusty pipe. I really don't care what anyone thinks unless its positive. Then I care and I am honored that others like what I'm doing. As for those who don't...they can all go choke on a bowl of jagged fucks! Damn proud of what I'm doing.

What does the whole Thrash Or Die concept mean to you personally?

For me its more of a lifestyle, like Metal. Its a combination of music and attitude. The music is the soundtrack to the attitude. Metal is the underdog. People have been trying to kill it off for over 40 years now and it keeps coming back. I try to incorporate that vibe into the music. FUCK YOU WE ARE THRASH! If you don't like it, GOOD! I take pride in pissing the insecure off that think they know how I should act and what I should say.I do what I like. And if they don't like it...pick a finger.

You guys seem to have a great sense of humor, but how serious are you about the songwriting process?

We're very serious,and those who love us know this. What I write about is how I feel. Be it in a goofy mood, or serious. I wont be writing about the rain forest or how I worship God or Satan. I write what i feel,and i write about things i know.Sometimes I write fantasy type of stuff like killing posers and ruling the planet with the power of Thrash Metal. You know, serious stuff like that...

Who writes the main bulk of the music? What bands influenced your songwriting?

Hellvomit and I would get together and write most of it. I wrote all the lyrics except for "Terrorvision" and some of "Zombie Assault". Our drummer is great at piecing it all together. Its like we bring him an unfinished jigsaw puzzle and he puts it all together. As for bands,everything from Black Sabbath to Vio-Lence. Bon Scott is a major influence when I write lyrics. Though I don't think anyone can come close to how amazing he was. Including myself.

It seems that many thrash fans are hearing about Thrash Or Die thanks to the spectacular video for your song Wake Up and Smell the Thrash. Are you surprised by its immediate popularity? Did you know you had something special when the video was first completed?

Yes, I am shocked its taken off so quick.I knew it was very special. But you never know how people are going to react to it, but I knew it was something that if enough people were to see it we were going to be the mega rock stars we are today! Hello Wacken!

How were those killer set designs done, especially the ones paying tribute to classic metal album covers?

You would have to ask the Pupper Master, Dan Jackson. There was a bunch of computer mumbo jumbo shit involved that I know nothing about. There was also alot of work with a green screen. I had to get into a tight green screen type suit for the "Pleasure to Kill" shot. He super imposed the puppet's head on me. So yeah, Dan Jackson is the guy who came up with most of the ideas and did all the filming and editing. He Rules!

I have a feeling that this video is going to put Thrash Or Die on the map. I know it's only been out for a short time, but I'm curious if anyone surprising has contacted you based on the WUASTT video?

Metal Sludge actually wants to interview the puppet! And a few other sites have asked for an interview as well as a radio show in Argentina. The band Lich King loved it and posted it up. The biggest surprise for me is how many people are praising the video and the song. That to me is better then anything else. As I'm writing my response to this,the video has only been up for a week. Who knows what's going to happen in the coming months. So Far, So Good, So Kickass!

How does it feel to have thrash fans lose their minds (in a good way) over music you helped create?

To me that is the best part about playing live. To see fuckers rage at our shows never gets old. It's the ultimate high. I put it up there with injecting cat tranquilizers in my eye balls.

Is there time in the Thrash Or Die schedule to pull off a tour?

If someone gives us an offer we are there! But please make us at least break even because I have to take time off of work.

Final words?

My final words are for our haters. I am not sorry that I busted a load in your moms and didn't come back when I went out for that pack of smokes.

Check out Thrash Or Die here.

Thrashline: New Vektor songs, New Paralyzer song, Hirax tour and more!

2011-10-04T22:20:00.000-07:00

• VEKTOR are blessing us with a preview of their upcoming album Outer Isolation (out on Nov. 22nd on Heavy Artillery Records!). Check out the tracks Dying World and Dark Creations, Dead Creators below!

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://heavyartillery.bandcamp.com/album/outer-isolation"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Outer Isolation by VEKTOR&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://heavyartillery.bandcamp.com/track/dark-creations-dead-creators"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Dark Creations, Dead Creators by VEKTOR&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

• Wanna learn to play Tantara's Human Mutation on guitar? Let Per show you the way!

• Here is a cool 4ARM interview with Danny Tomb over at Thrash Magazine!

• Nuclear Torment's unofficial release show for their 8 Bit Death EP with be this Friday (Oct. 7th) at the Broder Tuck in Stockholm. Check out the album art below! Killer.

• Gama Bomb's European tour starts this week!

• 18 Wheels of Justice has their new album Execution for sale at CD Baby for only $8! Hard hitting METAL!!!

• Paralyzer has a new track up for ya'll titled The Ritual Gate off their upcoming EP! THRASH!

• Possessor is recording their new album this month. As of now, expect a November release. Great holiday gift perhaps?

• Six In Line has new art by Khaled Merei for upcoming album titled U Shud Hev Invtd Me.

• You saw and loved the video, now Thrash Or Die has made their song Wake Up and Smell the Thrash (video edit) available as a free download! Go here!

• Revocation has a Guitar World interview posted here.

• HIRAX will embark on the POZERKILL 4EVER POLAND TOUR in November!

The NWOTM Blog Twitter Sweepstakes

2011-10-03T19:59:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to everyone who has been following the NWOTM Blog! We have reached over 1,000 LIKES on our Facebook page, so we are celebrating with the first NWOTM BLOG TWITTER SWEEPSTAKES!

The details are in the graphic below, but the bottom line is this: Go follow us on Twitter and be entered to win free thrash metal music! It's that simple.

Extra special thanks goes to the following bands for agreeing to be a part of the sweepstakes:

• LICH KING
• INSINNERATOR
• UNHOPED
• THRASH OR DIE

If you have not yet heard one or more of these bands, please click on the above links, check them out, and show them some support.

So spread the word! Follow the NWOTM Blog on Twitter! Get entered to win some THRASH!

Contest ends on Monday, Oct. 24th at 10pm CST. Click on the graphic below for more details.

Thrash Or Die ROCKS!

2011-09-29T23:25:00.000-07:00

Wow. I am freaking' stoked! I have found the peak of the mountain where relentless classic thrash and comic book insanity have crossed and planted the biggest and most obnoxious metal flag to wave boldly in the faces of posers everywhere.

Miami's thrashers THRASH OR DIE and their album Poser Holocaust might sound like a mashed up total of every thrash cliche out there, but band members Dr. Fukk, Darth Vodka, Triplesixxx Whoremangler, and Pat could not care less.

Frankly, neither do I. With their tongue in cheek approach to some serious freaking songwriting, Thrash Or Die are pure fun and their music absolutely KILLS.

Also, as I risk the fury of the Serious Metal Only types, it is the comic book look that attracts me to a lot of thrash bands, in both image and lyrics. I mean, take a look at all the Ed Ripka covers, the colorful and twisted band logos as well as the topics of zombies, kings, monsters, deadly moshpits, and Mad Max-style post-apocalyptic settings.

Thrash Or Die unabashedly embodies the essence of those classic thrash themes and images, spitting them out in venomous doses of crushing speedy thrash metal.

Perfect examples of this can be found in their songs, such as No Posers Allowed, The Return of the Thrash Lord, Moshpit Messiah, and Wake Up and Smell the Thrash. The song titles might be part of T.O.D.'s schtick, but the music slams hard and in the end that's all that matters to me.

To get a full dose of what is Thrash Or Die, check out the video below (you won't be sorry). If you like it, head over to their Facebook page and show some support.

Lenny Troo Frasher: I love thrash metal

2011-09-27T23:04:00.000-07:00

Legionary - A Glimpse into Arcane Divisions

2011-09-22T02:03:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't seen it, Legionary has put out a very cool short documentary on the band as well as the recording of their upcoming album Arcane Divisions.

This entertaining, funny, and informative video does a good job in showing the different personalities that make up Legionary. It also makes my mouth water for the release of Arcane Divisions, an album I believe will promptly kick my ass upon first listen.

Check it out!

Art of Chaos ROCKS!

2011-09-22T00:48:00.000-07:00

Usually I'm not in favor of a band posting "raw" cuts of their music. Usually when I click on a song labeled "raw", "unmixed", or "rough demo", it will sound like it was recorded with a 1980s boombox that was placed on a shelf right next to the drummer's crash cymbal.

In the end, even the best demo songs will sound like crap and most newcomers will likely never pay a visit to the band's website ever again. It's a no win/no win situation, see?

BUT! HOWEVER! NEVERTHELESS! ETC.!

Once in a blue moon, posting a rough cut can be beneficial provided that the instruments can all be represented fairly giving the song's dynamics a slim chance of shining through.*

Yes, there are exceptions out there, such as Fatal Demise, who have hit the ball out of the park with some killer tunes on less than stellar recordings.

Such is the case with Sacramento, California's ART OF CHAOS. Truth be told, when I came across this band's Reverbnation page and saw the words "Raw Cut" labeled on their available tunes, I almost passed them by.

Thankfully, intuition gave my jaded brain a tiny kick in the nuts and I clicked play. Art of Chaos's streaming songs hit me with a hardcore-leaning thrash assault that turned my twisted smirk of doubt into a big fat teeth-grinding grin.

They pummel the listener with a monster blend of old-school thrash with a handful of heavy crossover and NY style hardcore.

The guitars pulled me in with a combo of tight thrash riffing and sliding power chord stomp, all brought to light with the drums that hit the balance of speed and groove perfectly. Vocalist Paul Laughlin commands the vocals with the salt and grit that brings to mind the brutality of Tom Araya and Billy Milano.

To not move around, stomp, and headbang while listening to Art of Chaos would viewed as either a Herculean task of epic proportions or that the listener might be dead.

I'm glad I didn't end up passing these guys up.

Have a listen to their Raw Cuts below and then hit them on Facebook here.

* Quality control cannot be determined by the ones who wrote the songs, especially for novice songwriters. Band members can never tell if their basement demo recordings sound like crap because A. They know what the song originally sounds like, and B. To them, the song is always going to sound freakin' awesome.

Weekend Breakdown: Shredhead, Legion, Carcinogen, Tramwreck

2011-09-16T23:13:00.000-07:00

SHREDHEAD
I love it when every time a band's song is done, I give the computer screen a horns up and audibly state, "That was f**kin' KILLER!"

So it went while checking out tunes from Israel's SHREDHEAD. I found these guys while surfing around Bandcamp, and was taken aback by their ruthlessly catchy riffs, tight playing, and searing vocals. The music comes off as a more complex brand of crossover, leaning more heavily into vicious speedy thrash. Perfect for splitting' heads in the pit!

Give them a listen, Facebook them here, and if you like the tunes, buy from them here.

LEGION
Texas has so many newer monstrous thrash bands that they are head-to-head with the Chicago area for the amount of quality upstarts hammering out some kick ass U.S. metal.

Houston's LEGION is somewhere near the top of the pack, cranking out some harsh metal that has a heart inside its armor of tank-like destruction. I don't mean "heart" as in ballad-y emo tears of wussface. No, the heart comes from the passion heard in Legion's music which would definitely cause involuntary spasms of mayhem in the pit.

The dynamics balanced between the rolling riffs and rigorous drumming is a headbanger's paradise. Songs such as Pacifist move effortlessly from an onslaught of fiery riffs to a well-placed chunky stomp that have the impact of a wrecking ball.

Listen below and then head over to Facebook to offer them your support.

CARCINOGEN
Moving over to the death side of metal, we have New York's CARCINOGEN. Taking cues from the harsh end of the thrash genre, Carcinogen offers up solid death metal without the blistering confusion of some of the more br00tal brethren. The Suffocation and Cannibal Corpse influences shine through as do their love for Slayer and Exhorder, which gives the listener a nice balance of headbanging with the brutality.

Bottom line is that Carcinogen plays some crushing freaking death metal and they play it well. Good? Good.

Check out Unholy Aggression and then hit 'em up on Facebook.

TRAMWRECK
Now it's time to have sustain some injuries with Sweden's TRAMWRECK! This group slams with a gruff mix of classic hardcore, thrash and punk that is as mean as it is fun. The riffs are simple and chunky, moving the songs from explosive Exploited-like charges to thrash-soaked stomps. Just by listening to their song, one can tell that Tramwreck would be an awesome experience live. Bring your headgear!

Listen below and then make the move to their Facebook page here! POWER VOMIT!

Review: Unhoped - Die Harder

2011-09-15T18:20:00.000-07:00

UNHOPED
Die Harder

After stumbling upon Finland's UNHOPED on the ever reliable Reverbnation web site, I have been keeping them in the corner of my eye. I was originally impressed by their brutally harsh brand of thrash and gave them a positive write-up here. I couldn't wait for their new full length release!

Finally, Unhoped unleashed their new album Die Harder, and it packs even more of a punch than I had anticipated.

The opening track Entering a World of Pain is a short and slow riff laden instrumental that uncoils like a snake about to unleash a furious strike. That strike hits with the next track Shattered Shield, injecting a bite of venomous metal that continues to rage until the album's final track.

The riffs and song structures bring to mind early Grave peppered with Slayer. Even the production hints at early Swedish death metal without the sludge. In fact, the production is impressive, gathering the killer tight riffing, spot-on drums, and lethal vocals into slabs of hard-pounding murderous metal.

Unhoped writes songs that range from all-out thrash to headbanging groove, put together with riffs that both shred and hook into your brain. With tunes such as the catchy Art of War (Written in Blood) as well as the harsh and mosh-worthy Consumed, fans of aggressive metal will find something to grab onto within Unhoped's roster of solid metal tracks.

Check Unhoped out on their Facebook page here. To purchase a copy of Die Harder, go here.

Warbringer and portly relatives. I need to get into shape!

2011-09-14T21:25:00.000-07:00

My 38 year-old self is finally trying to eat right and exercise. I have to. Warbringer is towing along a slew of killer thrash bands, scheduled to arrive in Kansas City on October 30th, and I have to be primed for the ass-whopping I'll receive in the pit!

Back when I was in a band, we had high energy band practices every day and played at least every other weekend. At my job, I worked on my feet. Constantly moving, man. I had no problem with staying in shape.

But almost 9 years have past since I was in a band. For the past six years, I've sat in an office doing graphic design for 8 hours a day while stuffing my face with cookies and McDonald's food. My muscles went to sleep and my belly woke up…and grew.

After all this time, two things happened to finally convince me to lose some of the old man fat. Well, three things actually (my pants no longer fit), but the first two were essential epiphanies needed to begin my long road to carrots and chicken breasts.

Last year during the Slayer/Megadeth Carnage tour, I made it there early to catch the Testament set. I remember Chuck stopping a song in the middle so he could divide the crowd into a Wall Of Death, with the moshing to commence once the song kicks back in.

I just happened to be on the front line.

Before this, I hadn't been in a proper mosh pit since…duuhhhhh…I don't know. It was a long time, okay? For some reason, I think it was a Pro-Pain show and it was well before my old-ass muscles showed signs of pre-rigor mortis.

Anyway, my wife was in the crowd with me, so when the "wall" started to form, she was right behind me. As the front line backed up, I told her, "You can still get out if you want."

The line was then stopped and ready for Testament to trumpet the charge. "Are you sure you want to stay?" I asked my wife again, as my voice cracked.

You see, my wife has been in plenty of mosh pits, but like me, she hadn't been in one for years and I wasn't sure if she was ready for her first Wall Of Death to break her back in to the pit. Hell, I wasn't sure if I was ready!

Too late. Testament kicked in and the line charged. As I dug my heels into the ground out of instinctual self-preservation, my wife was pushing me with full force while yelling, "GO! GO! GOOOO!"

I was worried about her, and she was pushing me.

I finally moved my ass, and I ended up having a great time in the mosh pit for the rest of the song. I haven't felt that rush of adrenaline at a concert for a long time. But once the adrenaline was gone, my lungs were on fire, my chest was cramped, and I was leaning over as if I was going to puke.

Out. Of. Shape.

I got out of the pit area after Testament's set to watch Megadeth. Two songs into Megadeth's set, my wife said, "See ya," and ran back into the pit. I was still trying to air up my lungs.

I wanted to mosh, but I just couldn't. My body laughed and said, "Uh, no." That sucked.

So, Reason #1 to lose weight and get into shape: Can't mosh for more than 5 minutes. Watch wife mosh throughout entire Megadeth set, making me mop my male ego off the amphitheater's concrete floor.

Now...

The second thing that happened to me was not as exciting. At a recent family birthday gathering, one of my previously chubby uncles pointed at my stomach and let out a chuckle.

It's a long story as to why he is able to laugh at my attached personification of sloth, but let's say I had it coming.

After his chuckle and a quick exchange of pleasant conversation, I went into the house where one of my aunts was sitting. She is a big woman. Always has been. Most of my family on my mother's side are big people. Farming folks who like their beer and fatty breakfasts.

As I walked by her, she stopped me, put her palm over my belly like some spiritual healer and said, "This means that you're part of the family."

Well, that was THAT.

Reason #2 to lose weight and get into shape: Getting fatter than my fat relatives, and they like it!

I want to fit in my jeans and old concert shirts. I want to get healthier. Mainly, I want to get into the Warbringer pit without barfing up my heart.

So now I'm eating good foods and exercising, counting down the days (as I count down the pounds) to some upcoming thrash metal concerts.

Those of you who are going to attend the KC Warbringer show: if you see a crumpled up figure laying down in a fetal position after the concert, just know that I tried my best.

Thrashline: Evile's video, 4ARM tour and more!

2011-09-13T19:27:00.000-07:00

• EVILE's new video for their single Cult is streaming over at Vevo. Cult, coming off their upcoming Five Sepent's Teeth album is a killer Metallica-tinged headbanger of a tune. This song was a great choice for a vid. Check it out below!

• Australia's mighty 4ARM will be touring down under with two legendary bands: Mortal Sin and freaking Destruction! I knew they had big news to announce, but I was hoping it was a U.S. tour because I'm selfish that way. Still, this is killer news. Click here for details.

• Los Angeles, CA thrashers SCYTHE now have their EP titled The Seventh Day available to buy online at CD Baby. I plugged Scythe here a while back. See if you dig 'em and then buy the EP. It's only $2.99!

• HELLsingborg's SIX IN LINE is looking for someone who can draw, and I'm assuming more than just a stick figure. On their Facebook wall, they posted the following:

"If there's anyone out there that's good at drawing, send us an e-mail with the artwork to sheeop@hotmail.com 

"The title of the upcoming release is U Shud Hev Invtd Me.

 "It's also a song about this WoW dude called Dave who crashes a party with an axe. So send us whatever comes into your mind when you hear party+axe and... Send it!"

After that, they said, "Get laid!"

He's writing to artists who specialize in drawing WoW characters. Why mock them with that last statement?

• Texas metalmen LEGION are looking for a lead guitarist. Posted on their Facebook wall is the following:

"We will be holding tryouts for anyone who thinks they have what it takes. You must be willing to travel, have pro gear and a great stage presence. Give Drew a call or leave us a comment if you're interested!"

Now check THIS out as an incentive sling the axe for Legion: They will be playing with freaking EXHORDER on November 25th and 26th…and those will be the new guitarist's FIRST gigs with the band. Nice!

• The Portuguese metal powerhouse NUKLEAR INFEKTION have photos up of their first gig from their Sept. 10th gig with Auschwitz and La Tasca. Go here to check out their vid for the song We're On Command! This is their first freaking gig and all these people KNOW the song?! Man, I love the internet!

• STONE DÖZER's album Long Live the King is now available on iTunes. I wrote about this bad-ass band here. Check 'em out to see if the tunes are your type of moshing material.

• The new ANTHRAX album is out! 'Nuff said!

Lenny Troo Frasher: Headbanging to new thrash

2011-09-13T08:57:00.000-07:00

Weekend Breakdown: Strike Master, BlackRider, Revtend, and Rezistor

2011-09-11T00:17:00.000-07:00

STRIKE MASTER

A big thanks to Simio Belico for sending Mexico's STRIKE MASTER my way. Strike Master's thrash is aggressive, pissed, and hits like a whirlwind of clenched, bloodied fists. Each song is tight, well played chaos with speedy riffs and venomous vocals which all contibute to a frenzied sound that literally rages non-stop.

Check out the song Rabid Abstraction below. The tempo dynamics and the extremely small but effective use of gang vocals between 1:04 and 1:25 make me want to own everything they have ever recorded. Check out their Facebook page here.

BLACKRIDER

Another thrash band from Mexico, BlackRider plays thrash that might not be reinventing the wheel, but has the charm of a gritty grindhouse film. After hearing a few songs off their Waves of Destruction album, I kept seeking these guys out online, streaming their harsh brand of adrinaline-filled Mexican metal. Although the recording sounds like it was stuck in a can and beat with a stick, fans of old-school thrash will probably enjoy it even more, soaking in the nostolgia of killer music on crappy sounding demos. Listening to BlackRider is like revisiting one of those old, scary carnival rides that was fun when you were young, and even though it is now weathered with a bit of rust, you could still get in and enjoy the ride.

Bottom line: BlackRider slams with some fun and aggressive thrash metal! Check out the song and then you can marvel at the fact that they are still on MySpace here.

REVTEND

A killer mix of Big Four love with a beefy modern production offers us the massive thrash attack known as REVTEND. These Portuguese metal monsters hook the listener with both e-string gallops and chugging riffs under Pedro Henriques's Hetfield-esque vocal delivery. The professional sounding, crisp recording makes the music rage all the better.

Check out the tunes below and click here for some Facebook action.

REZISTOR

Armed with a contemporary sound of stripped-down thrash metal, Romania's REZISTOR is set to spread their name by offering up their new album Beware the Silent as a FREE download. Not a bad deal at all for those interested in simple but effective riffage that at times bring to mind the furious punch of early Fear Factory.

Check out the song, hit their Facebook page, and then go here to download Rezistor's album for FREE!

Assaulter ROCKS!

2011-09-09T04:49:00.000-07:00

With song titles such as "Crushed By a Raging Mosh", "Thrash Assault", and "BEER!!!", Italy's ASSAUTER is definitely a fun time to be had by all.

I'm sure the Serious Metal Only guys out there are rolling their eyes, but they are missing out because Assaulter's music is anything but goofy. Their hammering riffs are furious exercises in aggressive speed and mosh-making mayhem.

Along with the excellent guitar work, the face-ripping vocals and frenzied drumming collide to crank out some pure, fist clenching thrash freaking' METAL.

Not to say that Assaulter's music is pure insanity for the sake of insanity. The dynamics throughout the songs show a band of metal musicians who can express their ideas of what constitutes killer thrash metal, and serve it as a bludgeoning hammer to the face.

Yeah, I love it.

Check out a couple songs below and then Facebook 'em here.

Lenny Troo Frasher: It Reminds me of...

2011-09-07T17:18:00.000-07:00

Thrashline: Bits of thrash metal news

2011-09-06T21:11:00.000-07:00

Thrashline will be a semi-regular post in which I will run my virtual mouth about news items from around the thrash community. For obvious reasons I cannot post every new item that pops up (I'm not Blabbermouth, ya know), but I'll collect some bits that interest me and let you all know about them.

Let's get it going!

• SSS has two new official members: Stu Taylor on guitar and Dave Archer on drums. I'm always a bit wary when members switch up in a band, especially the guitarist since he or she is usually the main riff machine that makes up the band's sound. However, I will still check out any future releases by SSS and any other band I am a fan of such as Bonded By Blood or Hatchet who went through member changes.

• Over at the Anthrax website, they posted some dates for their upcoming tour with freaking Testament and Death Angel! Yeah - holy crap! This will be a killer show. Some of you guys here in the U.S. are left off so far, but let's hope that more dates are added soon. The ones they have so far are as follows:

10/14	Grand Rapids, MI	Orbit Room
10/15	Chicago, IL	Congress Theatre
10/16	inneapolis, MN	First Avenue
10/18	Wichita, KS	The Cotillion
10/19	Denver, CO	Summit Music Hall
10/22	Los Angeles, CA	Nokia LA Live
10/23	San Francisco, CA	Warfield Theatre
10/24	San Diego, CA	House of Blues
10/26	Albuquerque, NM	Sunshine Theatre
10/28	Dallas, TX	South Side Music Hall
10/29	Austin, TX	Emo's East
10/30	Houston, TX	Warehouse Live

• Finnish thrash masters UNHOPED have unleashed their new web site. Their old one was seriously lacking in...well, much of anything. Keep your eyes on this site for news on how you can get your hands on their upcoming CD titled Die Harder. I've heard it and it absolutely crushes.

• Santiago, Chile's NUCLEAR have made their album Jehovirus available for streaming in its entirety over at their Bandcamp page. Fans of metal in the vein of Slayer really need to check this out. Jehovirus is ruthless thrash at its best.

• Brazilian thrashers WOSLOM have released a new video for their song Mortal Effect, taken from the Time to Rise album. Catchy riffage in this one. In the video, WOSLOM takes on the evils of consumerism. Now go buy the WOSLOM album and t-shirt! ;)

Check it out!

• Montreal's resident thrash drunkards ALCOHOLATOR have just released a new song titled The Chamber. You like to combine your thrash with drinkin'? Dumb question. Check it out below!