Insurgency - Death March [EP] [2014]

Death March - Album art by Alice Biddau

Hailing from Lancashires deep reaches, Insurgency are no strangers to the North Wests Thrash scene. Delivering a high intensity style, with no punches pulled. The Lancastrians are currently helping to fill the void left by the many 'cleaner cut' bands in the current generation of Thrash. And following up the bands first official release, Live Insurgency late last year, comes the six track EP Death March.

Featuring seven tracks of the new, old and even a live cover, the EP is a culmination of all of Insurgencys work so far. Kicking straight in with the title track, Deathmarch, the bands overwhelming power and raw aggression shows. With the riffs being delivered like a powerhouse and accelerated to seemingly infinite levels to set the tone for the record early.

Following up comes 'Terror Thrash Totality' and the first song of the bands I've heard of not to be based on their common ground of terrorism and war. It's good to see the band are exploring new topics lyrically, and although not the most original of choices, still helps to add some more diversity to the mix. The song really helps to highlight the bands proficiency at making the most of a three member, single guitar set-up. The track is raw in delivery, and really brings out all elements of the instruments. It's nice to see that the bass is also not neglected in the EP, which is a common sin among most Thrash bands wanting to go for the precise, on point dual guitar sound. Instead the bass is allowed to sing in it's full glory, and provide a real backbone to the overall sound. Especially in parts where it breaks away from following the guitar to provide parts with an extra colour to the sound.

Next up in the firing line is 'Tunguska', an older song of the bands that is brought back in a blaze of glory. Providing a more slower and still ever heavy intro, the song is the first time new listeners will be aware of the bands use of two vocalists rather than one. It's not something often done by a lot of artists, due to the usual blatant difference in voices. But with Andy and Will both able to provide great guteral vocals, it's pulled off rather well. And with one or the other taking the lead on songs, it avoids sounding confusing as both singing on a single song would.

Benghazi comes up next, and another song that's not had it's first outting in the Insurgency arsenal. With the addition of some leads to the track, it still remains as solid and unrelenting as on Live Insurgency. The track is also the first time that the bands use of song blending becomes apparent, as the fade out helps usher in the way for new track, simply named 'Taliban'.



Taliban is probably one of my favourite cuts from the EP, and one that you can listen to right now. It's got all the right ingridients you'd expect from the band; power, speed and aggression. All things they excel at doing. It seems like they've found a formula mixing these main aspects, and certainly don't look to be changing that any time soon. It's something I can definetley applaud the band on as well. Rather than dilute the music to taste, it's a straight shot that get's shit done. It gets the point the across.

Closing out the album is fan favourite, Desert Holocaust, which makes it's third incarnation to date. The band have definetely stepped it up this time round as well. The vocals especially sound a lot more fierce and menacing, and there's more of a finesse in the execution too. A fitting way to finish the EP off.

And for those of you grasping the CD in your hands right now, you may well be aware there's a bonus live track on the end too. A cover of Mayhems Necrolust. The track's one that showcases the bands live power well, and actually sounds top notch for a live recording. If you were ever in doubt about seeing the band live, give it a listen and see what I mean!

Overall, another top release the lads, and one that will keep fans of raw, solid Thrash salivating for a good while yet. If I had to pick one flaw in it though, it would be some small inconsistencies in the production. It's by no means bad, but there are some songs where the guitars can sound a little underwhelming compared to other sections. Most notably this happens in the opening of Benghazi, with the guitar tone sounding rather scratchy, and crunchy. Compared with Desert Holocaust where the tone seems more well rounded and powerful. I'm not too sure if it's just because the former has more focus on the guitars at first, or I'm just hearing it differently or not, but there does seem like a noticeable change in tone between the two.

Apart from that, I'm a huge fan of this release, and admittedly it is one I've been looking forward too for a long while. Insurgency have delivered the aural terrorism once again, and in spectacular style with Death March, and it's an assault I'll be receiving for a long time to come! If you like what you hear, get on to the links below and give this band some support!

Insurgency L-R: Malek, Andrew, Will.

Insurgency is:
Andrew Shackleton - Guitar/Vocals
Will Anderson - Bass/Vocals
Malek Baali - Drums

Insurgency on facebook: www.facebook.com/insurgencythrashuk
Alice Biddau on facebook: www.facebook.com/valiryaevokendieart
Napalm Promotions on facebook: www.facebook.com/NapalmPromotions

Killer Hurts - Killer Hurts [Album] [2014]

When it comes to being a Northerner, a lot of bands can slip under the radar. Especially bands from that fabled land South of Manchester, most of us know only as London. But Killer Hurts are also looking to put Norwhich on that map too. Releasing their debut self-titled album this year, they've joined locals, Shrapnel, in making a name for the local scene. Even with lead singer, Errol Watson, being involved in putting together the local Thrashesauraus Festival. So what does the band have to offer?

Well, their debut is definetely one that has some solid attributes to it, including signature catchy riffs, and some great musical talent. Kicking off with 'Rise Abomination', the album has a great melodic intro, complete with harmonised guitar work and chuggy riffs to boot. Even from the start you can sense a more NWOBHM influence than most modern Thrashers. With the tempo not being overstrenuously accelerated, and the vocals remaining relatively clean and powerful at the same time. The production also amplifys this, being cleanly done, while still keeping the tone thick and powerful.

Variety is also something in good supply throughout the album, often switching up tempos and styles multipe times in songs. A great example being the lead harmonies leading to the solo in 'It Has All Gone Dark'. The section shiftes several times, leading to an energetic main solo, and even transisitioning in to a darker sounding, almost Black Metal inspired riff. Completing the song even with blast beats that bring the song full circle. The story of the lyrics are transcribed very well from aural to musical form throughout, a solid part of the albums appeal.

Overall the album has some great sections and tracks, with enough of a musical variation to keep you interested. Even managing to clock in at a lenghty 13 tracks, spanning 47 minutes, it doesn't over stay it's welcome, and can be easily enjoyable in it's entirety. Stand out cuts personally include; Unleash the Chemicals, All Has Gone Dark and Violence Is Golden. All chosen because of their way of mixing it up throughout the track. All in all, it's a definite recommendation for any fans of Thrash without the party piss up excess. An album purely focussed on the music, and mixing up of influences. If you fancy some of that, then get on to Killer Hurts now!

L-R: Errol Watson, Matt Furze, Gary Fescio, Jason Thompson.

Killer Hurts is:
Errol Watson - Vocals and Guitar
Nathan Sadd - Lead Guitar
Matt Furze - Bass
Johmmy Martin Grimley - Drums