War Is Unleashed

Germany's underground scene is full of old school thrash metal bands. Some of them are well known for years like Desaster or Witchburner. But the genre has more to offer! Nuclear Warfare are really bloody young, barely born, when thrash metal, especially played like this, took the metal scene by storm. But I swear, they know how to do it, 'cause they just put out pure fucking thrash pounding your skull constantly.


In some other reviews 'bout this band often Sodom, Destruction and Kreator are mentioned as the biggist influence. Surely, there are some. The disharmonic riffs and leads in songs as "Inner war" or "Kill" reminds of Destruction. But in the end, Nuclear Warfare aren't sounding that much German. The typical German thrash of the 80ies always had this dirty, raw, satanic feeling, often very near to early black and death metal (Think of "Pleasure to kill", "Infernal Overkill", "Obsessed by cruelty"). No black metal here, just pure thrash, straight staccato riffing, barking vocals and gang shout choruses. Exodus, Overkill or Sacred Reich, anyone?


For beeing a demo, recorded and pressed without any label behind, this is more than well done. The sound is clear, yet not overproduced, guitars could be a little bit louder in the mix. But nothing really to complain here. All the musicians know what they're doing here, you won't find any sloppy parts. Very tight drumming (played by a girl!), two shredding, not too technical guitars and the already mentioned typical thrash vocals. Very nice are the short melodic guitar leads which are keeping the straight hammering tracks interesting. But don't expect gothenburg shit here!!!


Of course the material here isn't the most original and there's clearly a lack of variation on this cd (they imrpoved that on their next album), but to me, it's just fine. Outstanding tracks are the fast opener "Warfare" with it's shouting chorus "warfare! warfare!" (definitely made to be played live!) the midtempo stomper "Kill" and the fucking fast "Predator". The chorus of this one makes you dizzy, 'cause it's so over the top aggressive and fast.


Lyrics are nothing special, everything's about war and destruction. Not that mind blowing, but it fits the music well, 'cause it really reminds me of firing machine guns or rolling tanks sometimes. Not as heavy as Bolt Thrower of course, but the band trys to keep the anger and speed of Slayer, Exodus or old Kreator. No doubt, you'll want to bang your hand nonstop when getting hit by these pumping riffs!


So if you like bullet belts, cut off denim wests full of patches and playing air guitar while listening to energetic old school thrash metal - get this! You'll like it and they deserve your support!