April 5, 2006 | | 4

Demiricous, One (Hellbound)

In the future, I think that any record label planning to ship out an album as hard hitting as this one needs to provide a complimentary neck brace in the packaging. DemiricousOne (Hellbound) is one hell of a ride. From the old school thrash riffs, to the Slayer-like solos, and early Testament influences, you’ll be hard pressed to find another album out right now this enjoyable. The band doesn’t try to out do them selves in terms of pushing the envelope, but what they do accomplish on their Metal Blade debut is something not heard in this genre since Pantera’s Cowboys from Hell. The band’s straight forward thrash is driving, powerful and teaming with evil goodness.

It’s not often that I get wrapped up in a band like I have with Demiricous. I have had a hard time even trying to pull their CD out of my current rotation. I constantly find new aspects of their music to enjoy and destroy a cervical vertebra or two. Whether it’s Nate Olp’s raspy, alcohol fueled guttural delivery or Chris Cruz’s insane beating on the drums, this band has plenty to offer.

Repentagram The band kicks off the album with some classic thrash before the double bass starts ripping. Olp’s delivery is perfect for this chugging monster. About half way through the track the first solo hits before we hear the first Testament influences slipping in. The track ends in a fury. Good stuff.

Withdrawal Divine Riffing in the background is quickly pummeled by a machine gun like pounding from the drums. This track is a fast, intense ride at break-neck speeds. The band does slow it down a bit about half way through to let the listener catch up, but it’s no less intense a ride.

Vagrant Idol This track is slowly moving its way up on my list of all time favorite songs. It’s the one track on this album that has the most variety and pace changes through it. “Vagrant Idol” starts off in classic thrash mode with a rapid pace before slowing down for some chugging mosh as Olp releases a slower, monosyllabic delivery. The track just continues to build on itself till the climactic end.

Beyond Obscene A driving wall of speedy thrash keeps the listener’s head banging away. This one has a more deliberate pace and flow with it. It’s a little slower at parts as compared to the previous tracks.

Perfection And The Infection The plodding chug of the previous tracks continues at the onset of “Perfection and the Infection.” This is one of the darker sounding songs on the album. This track holds one of the more complex solos as well.

Heathen Up (Out For Blood) This one is all about going out, drinking plenty of Jack Daniels and raising some hell on the local scene. Gotta love it. Olp releases a deeper vocal attack toward the end of this one.

Cheat The Leader More machine gun drum attacks lead this one off. It’s fast and angry. What more could you ask for?

Matador I’m not sure if a bull fighter is a metaphor or if it’s just simply a song about a matador. Either way this one rocks pretty damned hard. It introduces a new dynamic to the band’s sound — gang vocals. The group shouts are of the hardcore/punk variety and fit in nicely with the rest of the track.

To Serve Is To Destroy A little Pantera influenced riff introduces this track. And more gang shouts accompany Olp’s delivery.

Ironslides These guys are keeping up an amazing pace song to song. It’s impressive that you can have this much well performed thrash and not get bored of it. The have managed to keep each song fresh and unique. This one is speedy and dirty.

I Am Weapon Olp and crew are calling everyone out in this one. It sounds as though he’s trying to stretch those vocal cords to the brink of self-destruction with his delivery on this track.

Hellraisers “Hellraisers” is a great anthem to end an album on. The energy is just as intense and uncompromising as all 11 tracks before it. You’ll find no piano outro here — just more of that straight forward thrash attack.

You like your metal blue collar. You like your thrash stripped down to the bone and evil. You need to buy this album. Now.

Favorite Tracks:
Repentagram
Withdrawal Divine
Vagrant Idol
Heathen Up (Out For Blood)
Ironslides
I Am Weapon

Additional Notes:
n/a