V/A, Thrashing Like A Maniac
There are usually two downfalls when it comes to compilations in general — a lack of continuity between tracks or complete and utter stagnation by the half way point. Luckily for us, Thrashing Like A Maniac is comprised of 16 unique new school thrash tracks that will keep you fully entertained and flying around your bedroom like a crazed fool.
This compilation does a tremendous job bringing together modern thrash masters from a variety of regions, pulling in their own unique take on the genre. You’ve got traditional Bay Area thrashers, English heavyweights of new school destruction and a veritable who’s who of modern thrash fury.
Immortal Life by Bonded by Blood
The initial track opens up the compilation with shredding riffs and galloping drums. Taken from Bonded by Blood’s self-released EP Extinguish the Weak, this one has very real old school feel to it with shouted vocals, shredding leads and pummeling drum work.
Thrasher by Evile
I’ve already reviewed the album from which this track was taken. You can check it out here.
Art of Partying by Municipal Waste
One of the true heavyweights of modern thrash, Richmond, VA’s Municipal Waste decimate everything in their path with “Art of Partying.” A classic opening riff gets this one going as Dave Witt rips through his drum setup with a vengeance.
Deathstrike Command by Dekapitator
Comprised of former members of death metal stalwarts Exhumed, Dekapitator represent the Bay Area with bludgeoning riffs and a death tainted brand of thrash.
Massive Execution by Fueled by Fire
Recently suffering a big blow to their line-up with the departure of their lead singer, Fueled by Fire’s future is a little uncertain at this point, but at least we can enjoy their aggressive, in your face approach to thrash while we can. I love the thick bass line at the two minute mark as a shredding solo comes in from out of no where.
Corrosion by Decadence
Lead by frontwoman Kitty Saric, Stockholm’s Decadence blend aggressive beats with melodic grooves to lay waste to all around them. This one contains some beefy riffing, memorable Testament-like hooks and chugging grooves.
Total War by Warbringer
Bludgeoning drums and annihilating guitar work start off this monster of a song. Warbringer’s fury is barely contained with the few short minutes that “Total War” blasts through the speakers. Easily one of the more aggressive tracks on the compilation.
Overload by SSS
A few sound clips and bass work starts off this contribution from Liverpool crossover thrashers SSS. I love the old school feel that these guys have captured within DRI, SOD and Metallica influenced riffs and pummeling drums. The lead at the 2:10 mark is one hell of a demonic roller coaster ride — hang on tight.
Zombi Brew by Gama Bomb
Pulling a page from the Municipal Waste bible on partying, these Irish dudes are out to entertain and annihilate with ripping guitars and driving drums.
Exumer by Merciless Death
Staying true to the early 80s roots of thrash, Merciless Death make it a point to maintain a vintage sound with their modern take on the genre. Sounding as though it were recorded in some L.A. basement, “Exumer” brings to mind visions of dark mosh pits and flying leather.
Resistance Is Futile by Deadfall
This previously unreleased galloping thrash monster is the product of a band that has seen more than a few line-up changes recently. Thankfully the rotating slots doesn’t seem to have affected the bands aggressive nature or cohesive thrashing attack.
Last Breath by Lazarus
A relative new comer to the thrash scene, Wisconsin’s Lazarus blends a blinding pace with melodic elements to produce an exciting bit of metal with this track pulled from their self-released album, The Onslaught.
War Is Hell by Toxic Holocaust
Toxic Holocaust is essentially a one man thrashing machine. Fueled by Tampa based Joel Grind, the band brings in guest musicians to tour relentlessly. This one has a bit black metal feel to the vocals, but it’s still a fast paced thrashing monster of a song.
Psycho Therapy by Mutant
This previously unreleased track from this London set of new school thrashers is full of galloping riffs, thundering drums and enough tempo changes to cause seizures in the closest circle pit.
Atomic Nightmare by Violator
Hailing from the home country of legendary thrashers Sepultura, Brazil’s Violator is the latest to be crowned South America’s kings of thrash. “Atomic Nightmare” is an aggressive, dark bit of churning thrash madness as pile-driving drums pummel unrelentingly.
Twilight of the Flies by Send More Paramedics
Having broken up in October of 2007, Send More Paramedics brand of punk fueled thrash goodness will be produced no more. Having enjoyed their split with Zombie Apocalypse back in 2005, sadly this is the only other material I have from the band. It’s a darkened, horror filled thrash attack that will leave a lasting impression.
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Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this latest compilation of modern thrash mayhem. Serving as a call to the metal scene, this list of contributors will surely live on as a must have for thrash fans everywhere.
Favorite Tracks:
All of them
Additional Notes:
N/A