Portuguese thrash trio Prayers Of Sanity are a rather fast bunch. Forming in 2007 and having two full length albums already under their belt, packed to the brim with riffs a plenty and the usual staples of thrash (Religion, Politics), they’ve geared themselves up and got a third record up for release. Following in the same vein as their previous releases, let’s look at the face of the unknown and see what it is like.

First impressions are important, and the big gang vocal shout which gets the title track rolling pretty much spells out the foundations for this release. It’s a damn fine slice of crossover thrash which bears a lot of similarities to the legendary D.R.I and Municipal Waste. Solid tones, tight work from the drums and a real noticeable bass sound get things on the go and this is the sound for near enough the entire album.

Shifting between flat out riffage at breakneck speeds and more groove orientated riffs, Prayers Of Sanity do not let up. Despite the hard hitting intro track, it is the follow up which really sends a message. “Dead Alive” has a massive sound which it brings crashing down on you. The booming bass, take no prisoners style riffing and furious drum onslaught makes this one something to be in awe of, especially if it were to air in a live setting – it would lay waste to venues wherever the trio took to the stage.

There are hints of more traditional thrash and modern thrash in there. The opening track which happens to be the title track if I didn’t establish that earlier has some real Teutonic undertones in it and in places, it sounds like the promising Dust Bolt who I have nothing but praise for… And “Unturned” which pops up round the middle of the album has the early 90’s Slayer feel to it. With these types of subtle influences, combined with the high energy feel, fast pacing and all round powerful delivery, you can tell this band is set for big things. Granted, it has some downsides, the pointless instrumental filler aptly named “In Between” has some good musical abilities on display, but it is merely a stop gap as it fades out when it finishes, not really linking into the following track “March Forward” which is fast as fuck.. Nor does it link up well with the quick but slightly lacklustre “Betrayer” which precedes it.

Still, those slight pitfalls aside, this album is some fantastic thrash and once again, it proves just how diverse and wonderful this genre is. Crossover thrash is a tricky thing to deliver well, most of it ends up as really heavy punk or really bouncy thrash, but Prayers Of Sanity have seemingly got the balance right, blending that aggression and attitude and giving it an energetic and heavy as hell backing track! The unknown certainly looks promising if this is what the face of it is!!

(8/10 Fraggle)