With a single demo out in 2011 this German band releases their first EP which is short but distilled to give five thrash based songs that mix in shreds of death metal too. The title track opens this with a spartan industrial vibe that is suitably eerie and menacing producing a fine build up sequence ready for “Sinner” to start the release proper, which opens with a razoring riff and snapping drum beat that has a highly defined snare sound that I like. The pace is swift as the track leans towards thrash for the lead break but is unafraid of dropping in a bit of double bass.

Continuing with “God In The Machine” the song has a more deathly trait due to its density as a lingering guitar hook is situated on the main riff. Shifting towards a punchy speed the track has a groove thrash approach though the vocals take on a very harsh tone similar to black thrash. That lingering guitar hook appears throughout the song and is little over stated for my liking but it is deftly played. “Opus Magnum” begins with an excellent riff, slightly on the melodic death metal side of things, it is memorable and followed by a massive influx of double kick testifying to the death metal credentials though this release is predominantly thrash based with a focus on a modernised vision of the genre rather than rehashing tried and tested riff structures from yesteryear.

The EP closes with a purist thrash riff on “I Am The Law”, the pace is notched up as an excellent riff break straight from the heavy metal way of thinking is delivered. The pace is relentless as the song progresses with only momentary lapses occurring for the vocals which are deep but clear. The lead work on this song and the release as a whole are solid, and probably would be benefit from some variation but otherwise they’re effortlessly played and suit the music very well.

As a debut EP this gives the band a rock solid foundation on which to hit the scene with a crunching sophomore and I await that moment with great anticipation.

(7.5/10 Martin Harris)

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