Infernal Command

I have some swell news: California’s Vöetsek loves thrash, vocalizing about obscurities, and random violence through thirty-second rampages without coherency. The release has acquired a moniker entitled “Infernal Command,” which fittingly seems like a typical title for radioactive madness and other speedy imagery, but this album is way different than what most would expect; Vöetsek, instead, takes thrash beyond its identity into crossover/grind mixtures. Not your cup of tea? Don’t worry, you’ll have fun regardless. Sure “Infernal Command” may swim among painful grind groups, yet Vöetsek can avoid costly situations due to their slick patterns, memorable passages, and radical motivations, at least for the majority.

I embrace “Infernal Command” for one reason: Vöetsek knows exactly what they’re hunting for. I am in need of technical percussion and finger-plucking bass foaming out extended velocity, do you have these? I believe, just let me check…yes, we do. How about a barrage of solos every twenty second or so? Right here! “Infernal Command” has those as well. Insane thrash riffs that don’t retrace the record’s steps? Yes sir, we have those in stock too. Seriously though, “Infernal Command” was made for intense guitar licks played at irreversible paces, and with lots of variety; other thrash/grind groups look retarded in comparison. Bad news? It’s only twenty minutes in length! We could use more, you know.

But of course, when the whole CD appears fantastic and pretty, one little skeleton hides in the closet: that dreaded vocalist. Alright, perhaps Ami Lawless’ deafening shrieks aren’t necessary horrendous, but Jesus, he comes way too close. The dude’s voice comes off as this choked-up yelp, usually just shouting aimlessly, which is acceptable, I guess, but not when he ruins a huge chunk of listenable material from painful squawks. Here’s the best way I can describe his show, as what I’m trying to say might seem unclear: picture a modern-day Chris Barnes honking in high-pitched tones throughout seventeen cuts…yea, that pretty much how it works. Even though many terrible singers can come off rather enjoyable in thrash, this individual certainly does not. Not very fun, trust me.

Although weak in an area that sticks out like transvestitism, Vöetsek’s keen approach towards a successful hybrid of humor, thrash, grind, and general positivity triggers new light upon these ideas, and works appropriately as an album should. Despite its lack of vocal goodness, “Infernal Command” doesn’t dance around obstacles, but shoots everyone in the head; like a violent thrash squad, these performers managed swell contributions while invading an identity most would proudly doubt at beginning sequences. Overall, Vöetsek’s effort can be labeled decent, but I wouldn’t call it anything else. Judge “Infernal Command” on your own terms if the album sounds like something you’d have good times with.

This review was written for: www.Thrashpit.com