Evil Unleashed

Ever wished you were back in the 80's where rock music ruled the universe? I'm talking 'bout days where "Hair" bands like Motley Crue, Bon Jovi and Def Leppard dominated the airwaves, and also when the underground scene was dominated by Thrash Metal spearheaded by the "Big 4" (Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax).

If you miss the golden days of Thrash, you would definitely want to give Angelus Apatrida's most recent release a try. These four Spaniards bring you the best of what the 80's scene was all about. Music that makes you want to mosh, harmonious yet crunching riffs that makes you strap on your well-rusted air guitars, and inspiring chorus lines that you could sing (and occasionally scream) along to.

Frontman Guillermo Izquierdo truly represents what thrash metal vocals is all about. Forget Matt Heafy and his wannabe James Hetfield style, this is pure bonafide thrash vocal quality. Harsh yet melodic, high-pitched but laced with a smooth, almost nasally finish. Traces of Dave Mustaine and Phil Anselmo is all over this album, but rest assure that this is a naturally good combination, not a failed impersonation excelled by Mr Heafy as mentioned above.

Another important element of thrash is the guitar solos, and boy, Angelus Apatrida has plenty of them in "Evil Unleashed". Izquierdo combined well with his fellow axeman David G. Alvarez to deliver mind-numbing solos that are still beautifully crafted and harmonious, the kind Mr King and Mr Hahnemann likes to avoid in their albums. The rhythm section is also well-covered by Jose J. Izquierdo (bass) and Victor Valera (drums), who sometimes deliver grooves reminiscent of the great Pantera in their heydays.

All in all, I would say "Evil Unleashed" is an exceptionally good album for everyone who appreciates old-school American-styled Thrash Metal. The fact that it is Angelus Apatrida's full release debut simply makes this an amazing first try. Well worth every cent of my online purchase.