There have been a lot of thrash metal records to come out over the last few years. Some good, some bad, like anything else of course. While a lot of what I’ve heard draws from the crossover, “zombies and beer” type thrash, I haven’t noticed as many new bands playing more in the Testament, Megadeth vein… until North Carolina’s and Tribunal Records’ Blatant Disarray came across my desk.
Sporting a heavy, mid-to-fast tempo vibe with melodic harmonized riffing and “ode to Chuck Billy” vocals, Blatant Disarray proudly bring you the other side of thrash—the social commentary, human condition, religion questioning side. They deliver a more “serious” vibe (if that makes any sense) than a lof of newer thrash oriented bands. I’ve already mentioned Testament & Megadeth, but one can also find hints of early Metallica in the mix. Highlights would include “Undetermined”, “Question”, “Faithless” and “Hourglass”… classic thrash metal, every one of them.
Blatant Disarray does nothing to reinvent or reinterpret the genre, but they do everything to keep the thrash tradition alive and well. Fans of the genre will no doubt find a nice place on their shelves for Everyone Dies Alone right alongside The New Order and Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying?
Oh, and do buy the physical CD because it’s the only place to get the 3 bonus tracks.
