Writing for Ave Noctum is never a chore. Sure on the odd occasion I get sent stuff that I would normally swerve like Neo in The Matrix dodges bullets but over the last few months it’s opened my ears to some bands that I’ve never even heard of but totally got into on the back of the release I’ve reviewed….. and Italians, Methedras, are another name to add to that ever growing list.
‘System Subversion’ is their fourth release and is a flat out modern thrash metal corker!
Opener ‘Subversion’ kicks off, with a spacey Agent Steel esq intro leading into a pounding industrial riff that reminded me of Fear Factory in their prime….. then it goes all Pantera / Strapping Young Lad on you….. excellent!!!
Aggressively precise, groove driven thrash is what these guys deliver. Stomping drums and guitars set between ‘max-chug’ and ‘uber-riff’ – in fact the guitar playing of Eros Mozzi is some of the best I’ve heard all year. On minute all Dimebag, the next some sort of unholy thrash / Stockholm death hybrid with wicked solos too.
The vocals of Claudio Facheris are a blend of hardcore and Chuck Billy served up with the odd tang of Devin Townsend…. but that might be my ageing lugholes making it up…. Whatever, he gives a cracking performance.
‘Dead Memories’ is my standout song with a total ear-worm of an opening riff and a great fist throwing, sing-along chorus plus some brutal stomping drumming from Daniele Gotti . ‘Fallout’ has an epic feel to it with a brilliant rousing chorus.
Overall this album is one of the better European offerings of late and I feel lucky to have been given the opportunity to bend my ears round it…. Hopefully the band will get some well deserved exposure because I can’t see anyone into metal NOT liking this.
50 minutes of Groovy. Thrash. Awesomeness!
(8/10 Mark Eve)
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