thrash metal
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Malta is often overlooked as a metal country. However, just like in several countries you'd expect to be devoid of extreme music, there are some highly talented bands present. Allow me to introduce Ascendor, hailing from the island of Gozo. Their oeuvre hasn't gone unnoticed, since they were picked up to support Belgian thrashers Evil Invaders. Now they're here to promote their second album 'Drive My Demons Away'.
In a way, yes, this is great exorcism music, if that means moshing, headbanging, crowdsurfing and stagediving. Obviously influenced by the likes of Slayer, (old) Metallica, Pantera and Megadeth, these guys deliver a solid metal album. They also have a thing with death metal I think, judging from the fierce vocals. In all, the album clearly refers to the old school of thrash metal.
The album opens with one of the best tracks in 'Fear Of God', loses a bit of power with 'At The Gates' and brutally comes back in the first highlight, the title track 'Drive My Demons Away'. From there on, the album rages on with plenty of variation and excellent song writing. The only thing I'm not sure about is the many slow passages. Although they're not ballads, they tend to make the album lack some pure thrash-power.
Then again, fact remains that these guys seem to be talented musicians who know a thing or two about songwriting. Lots of tempo changes and typical immersive riffs, will undoubtedly seduce many heavy metal fans, especially since the album starts growing after my little point of critique in the previous paragraph. 'Where Angels Lay To Die' is actually a classic thrash song from a decent Kreator or Testament level.
After a few listens and some more great thrash tunes, I have already forgotten about the slow start in the first half of this album. So I guess this is one of those albums that have to grow upon the listener, showing a great deal of technical skills at first and some more gauge later on. Fans of the bands I mentioned in this review really can't go wrong with this album. It's surely is a worthy addition to your collection.
Serge
In a way, yes, this is great exorcism music, if that means moshing, headbanging, crowdsurfing and stagediving. Obviously influenced by the likes of Slayer, (old) Metallica, Pantera and Megadeth, these guys deliver a solid metal album. They also have a thing with death metal I think, judging from the fierce vocals. In all, the album clearly refers to the old school of thrash metal.
The album opens with one of the best tracks in 'Fear Of God', loses a bit of power with 'At The Gates' and brutally comes back in the first highlight, the title track 'Drive My Demons Away'. From there on, the album rages on with plenty of variation and excellent song writing. The only thing I'm not sure about is the many slow passages. Although they're not ballads, they tend to make the album lack some pure thrash-power.
Then again, fact remains that these guys seem to be talented musicians who know a thing or two about songwriting. Lots of tempo changes and typical immersive riffs, will undoubtedly seduce many heavy metal fans, especially since the album starts growing after my little point of critique in the previous paragraph. 'Where Angels Lay To Die' is actually a classic thrash song from a decent Kreator or Testament level.
After a few listens and some more great thrash tunes, I have already forgotten about the slow start in the first half of this album. So I guess this is one of those albums that have to grow upon the listener, showing a great deal of technical skills at first and some more gauge later on. Fans of the bands I mentioned in this review really can't go wrong with this album. It's surely is a worthy addition to your collection.
Serge