You’d be hard-pushed to find a more accomplished set of musicians that would create such a killer album than the ones assembled here, from Armoured Saint to Vio-lence they’ve been around the block and then some, and the proof is in the pudding as they say, ten tracks of Thrash Metal the way it should be, tight, fast and breathtaking.
“In Stitches” opens the album with a big statement and an even bigger sound; Bittner’s drumming is off the charts and the tasty dual combo of Demmel and Orlando on guitars is like mana from heaven with Gibson’s bass rumbling nicely in the background, throw in a certain Mr Bush to give voice to it all, and what a voice, unwavering and a strong as ever it was, what a start. The rhythm on “Land I Used To Love” is so infectious it catches you right out the gate and there is no let up on the intensity either as you are hot with a barrage of drums and killer riffs, Bush’s vocals are immense; melodic with a gritty edge, Bittner’s double bass stands out big time as the track really builds off of it and Gibsons bass line, the deadly duo of Demmel and Orlando steal the show with their unreal riffs and solos, a cracking tune. “Apple Of Discord” slowly builds up before Bush comes roaring in, a little slower than the previous tracks but to my mind it gives it a heavier feel, the chorus is so catchy and will stick in your brain, believe me, the two lads on the guitar step it up on this one as they trade off solos each trying to outdo the other and it is awesome, one of the best tracks on here. “Exhausted” is a grower, when you first hear it it throws you a bit but after a couple of spins you start to understand how cool a track it really is, the groove is insane and driven by Demmel and Orlando’s monster riffs with the aid of Bittner’s savage drumming and Gibson’s bass while Bush kills it vocally, a hell of a track.
“Runaway Truck” is the Bittner and Gibson show as they lay the foundation for the track with a heavy-as-hell drum beat and thumping bass line, Bush ups his game to match their intensity with a monster vocal performance, Demmel and Orlando mix it up nicely with some crunching riffs and tasty little solos, another great track. The drum and guitar combo on “White Flags & Bayonets” is amazing, they play off against each other really well to give an ominous vibe to it, Gibson’s bass rumbling nicely in the background adds a touch of heft to the song as Bush matches the tone of the song by mostly snarling his way through it, pure class. “Mousetrap” opens with Bittner beating the daylights out of his kit before Gibson gets in on the act, they then combine to blow your socks of with a kicking bass-driven rhythm add to the mix some cutting riffs and solos from Orlando and Demmel, an absolute banger of a track. Another blistering opening from Bittner on “Waver At The Breaking Point” sets the tone for the track, an edgier feel to this one, crushing riffs and a deep bass line add to the feeling alongside Bush who changes it up vocally on this one from harsh at the verses to melodic around the chorus’, a couple of cool solos top it off in particular the one that plays the track out, an excellent track. “Through Pink Eyes” is a groove monster with a killer rhythm; the chugging riffs combine amazingly with Bittner’s machine gun style drumming and Gibson’s booming bass, Bush is on top form again as he spits out lyrics like a boss, a real contender for track of the album it’s just brilliant. The album closes with “Etter Stormen” an instrumental of epic proportions, it’s like the band just said fuck it we’re going to jam on this one and jam they do, Mr Bush is sidelined for this one as rest of the gang cut loose and do what they respectively do best, riffs and solos abound from Demmel and Orlando all to a thunderous backdrop of Bittner’s drumming, even Gibson gets in on the solo act, this is eight minutes of sheer pleasure, talk about finishing with a flourish.
Category 7 is out on the 26th of July and is one that any metal lover will enjoy. It sounds like they all enjoyed making this album as it certainly comes across it on the tracks. This is essential listening
Review: Conor
