Randomorder - The Forbidden Knowledge

There's always an amount of skepticism every time an unknown thrash band requests a review. You have to wonder if they will be one of those bands that manages to capture something special and stands out, or if they will be just another generic retro-thrash act. Well, Australia's Randomorder is the former. This band is definitely one that should be known more, coming from a scene that is dominated by some very awesome black/thrash bands, Randomorder adds some nice variety (Not that it's needed). 

This crazy bunch of Aussies doesn't bring anything new to the table, but they have a great sound and terrific songwriting ability, making the aforementioned table completely useless and irrelevant. The most important aspect of any thrash song is always the riff, and Randomorder knows this. There are plenty of fast thrashers, as well as more midpaced moshers and technical riffs. Not only are these riffs sick, but when the band mixes them together properly, there is plenty of headbanging to be had. The track "Ghost Demons" is probably the best example of this, and so is the midpoint of the song "Caught in the Crossfire."

Along with the thrashing assault, Randomorder also provides the listeners with some sweet melodies and solos that fit in perfectly with all of the mayhem. The melodies that open the song "The Dark Science" are very cool and serve as a fantastic prelude to the wicked thrash riff that follows. The same thing can also be said about the intro of "Bloodlust," one of the better songs on the record. 

The other instruments that contribute to the overall sound on "The Forbidden Knowledge" are all solid as well. The drums provide some cool fills and add to the heaviness throughout the record, and the drummer should be saluted for his great work. The bass has a couple moments to shine on it's own, but for the most part, the bass parts are pretty standard. The vocals are top-notch. Every word comes across clearly and cleanly, but there's also a very sharp edge to them similar to Max Cavalera.

Needless to say at this point, every member delivers and they should be bought some beers for their effort. "The Forbidden Knowledge" isn't on the same level as albums by new wave giants like Warbringer and Toxic Holocaust, but it's a tremendous record that any thrash fan could appreciate. 

Be sure to check out and like Randomorder on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/RANDOMORDER/143763249239

Best Songs

"Forbidden Knowledge"

"Caught in the Crossfire"

"Ghost Demons"

Final Rating - 4.25/5 or 85%.

Midnight - Satanic Royalty

Writing this review is almost redundant. It's almost redundant because everything that could be said about this album has already been said in other reviews, on forums, Facebook, Twitter, etc. The common denominator between all of the mentions of this record is that it is absolutely awesome. Midnight's debut full-length "Satanic Royalty" has been one of the year's most anticipated releases. After releasing several demos, splits, and compilations, Midnight has had fans around the world anxiously awaiting this hellbeast, and the wait was certainly worth it.

"Satanic Royalty" is ten tracks of pure Venom-worshiping, punk-riddled speed metal that will get anyone's headbanging. The vocals are rough and have a dirty feel that sets a great tone throughout the album. The drums and bass both do their jobs just fine and keep the punk driven pace going at a high level. The best part of the music, though, comes from the rhythm and lead guitars. From simple, yet highly effective punk styled chords, to catchy rock riffs, all the way to speed infused ragers, this record has the perfect amount of variety. The solos and melodies are all stellar and add to the great overall sound found on "Satanic Royalty."

There are no complaints to be made about this album whatsoever. Every song is simple, catchy and memorable so it's hard to pick the best tracks but the title track and "You Can't Stop Steel" are especially fun, and so is the much slower, yet still great "Black Damnation." This album is a must have if you're a fan of some good ol' fashioned Black N' Roll, and if not then may Midnight have mercy on your false soul. 

Be sure to check out and like Midnight on Facebook at the fan page!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Midnight/87909491643

Best Songs

"Satanic Royalty"

"You Can't Stop Steel"

"Black Damnation"

Final Rating - 4.3/5 or 86%.

Antichrist - Forbidden World

What the hell are they putting in the water over in Sweden? It doesn't matter what year or subgenre, there is always a band playing some brilliant metal over there, and Antichrist is indeed one of those bands. The first two demos the band put out were pretty decent, but the band's debut full-length "Forbidden World" is miles ahead of their previous work.

Now, if you're going to complain about the unoriginal band name, or even more unoriginal song titles, then you need to go away. If you're going to complain about the lack of innovation or technical prowess, then you are an absolute false and should just avoid this album. The sound of this album isn't an unfamiliar one, but it is a timeless one that is always fantastic with the proper songwriting. The riffs are pretty fast for the most part, but there are some nice midpaced riffs and tremolo bursts that fit into the mix perfectly. Along with the variety of riffs, the solos and melodies are superb and add a cool atmosphere at times, one that isn't very common in the thrash genre. The drums and bass don't really stand out, but they do their job. The real standout here, however, are the vocals. Steken's vocals sound like a sick combination of "Show No Mercy" era Tom Araya and Paul Baloff, but with a savage twist that adds to the frantic sound magnificently.

Antichrist doesn't waste anytime getting into the straightforward thrashing madness, kicking off the album with "Dark Sorcery." A track that kicks off with some thrashy riffs and moves along smoothly, until the second half of the track that features some terrific solos and melodies. The next two songs don't let up on the thrashing assault, but Antichrist knows how to give the listeners a break, with the minute and a half instrumental "Forbidden World." A clean guitar interlude that sends chills down the listener's spine. After that, is the best track on the record, "Necropolis." Clocking in at just over eight minutes, this track features everything Antichrist excels at. Headbang-inducing, midpaced riffs, blistering fast thrash riffs, catchy hammer-on filled riffs and awesome solos.

Unfortunately, "Forbidden World" is not perfect. While Antichrist is perfectly capable of conjuring up some wicked riffs and entire songs as a whole, some tracks just don't measure up to the rest and are horrifyingly mediocre. The tracks "Militia of Death" and "Death Rays" are in particular, snore inducing. They just seem to plod along and go through the motions, serving as filler.

Overall, Antichrist is one of the best new bands out today, with their brand of savage and eerie thrash. If every song on this record was as amazing as the track "Necropolis" or "Victims of the Blade" then this could have easily been one of the best records of the year, but it is still better than most band's outputs, making this a must have record.

Best Tracks

"Dark Sorcery"

"Necropolis"

"Victims of the Blade"

Be sure to check out and like Antichrist on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Antichrist-Swe/194267540607866

Final Rating - 4.25/5 or 85%.

Paralyzer - Hellish Demise EP

The thrashing quartet from Tennesee known as Paralyzer are out to make a name for themselves and they deliver a pretty sweet four track EP in "Hellish Demise." Now, Paralyzer are far from being the most unique thrash band out in 2011, but they have managed to write some decent thrash and they definitely have the ability to get your headbanging.

The EP kicks off with the track "Deathcult." After a nice clean intro, the thrashing begins. The riffs will likely remind the listener of Overkill at times, and the gang vocals are a nice touch. Overall, this is a solid track and a great way to kick off the EP.

Next up is the song "Genocide" This is probably the weakest song on the EP. It's pretty generic and doesn't really stimulate the listener much. Luckily they make up for this with the next couple of tracks.

The title track is the next one up and it is easily better than the last. Catchy and headbangable riffs are always good and they come in abundance here. The gang vocals once again provide a nice added layer to the song.

The final song here is indeed the best. "Ritual Gates" gets straight into it with some fast riffs, accompanied nicely by some fast, shredding solos. Much like the preceding track, catchy riffs come in plenty here. Paralyzer did a great job here, saving the best for last.

Paralyzer isn't the best new thrash band out, nor are they extremely memorable but they provide a fun listen and are certainly worth checking out.

Be sure to check out Paralyzer, and like them on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/ParalyzerMetal

Vektor - Outer Isolation

With great power, comes great responsibilities or in Vektor's case: With a modern masterpiece like "Black Future," comes extremely high expectations. Let's get straight to the point; this album did not surpass its predecessor. But it's not all bad, because this album still destroys and is better than a lot of albums that came out this year, but topping "Black Future" was a near impossible task. While the size of Vektor's fanbase may not reflect just how gifted these guys are, every one of their fans will tell you that this band is one of the best around. Every single one of those fans would be 100% correct too. 

This band is one of the more perplexing bands out today, with their unique and nearly untouchable brand of metal. At the core of the sound is thrash, but if you think this band sounds at all like Exodus or Slayer, then you are severely mistaken. Honestly, there aren't any bands that Vektor could be compared to, but that's probably a good thing. Their sophomore album for Heavy Artillery records and third overall "Outer Isolation" is easily one of the most anticipated albums of 2011 and it definitely delivers.

The overall sound on "Outer Isolation" isn't really any different than the sound on "Black Future," but when your band sounds the way that Vektor does, you're allowed to write your music however you want. However, one noticeable difference is that Vektor sounded a bit darker on their previous release than they do here. "Outer Isolation" is a little more progressive, but also thrashier. While every song on here sounds different from the next, only one song needs to be mentioned. "Echoless Chamber" is probably Vektor's best song to date. This song has every element that the band is known for and is meshed very nicely into one track. It has the eerie, yet enchanting melodies, the thrashy riffs, clean interludes, intense drumming, insane vocals and the general weirdness that is Vektor. 

Despite the complexity of the music, this review is being cut short because this album is nearly undescribable and simply needs to be heard. Some random guy on the internet talking about how awesome this album will not get the point across, so go out and get your hands on this beast. Once you give this band a listen, you will be hooked, and then sucked into outer isolation. 

Best Tracks

"Echoless Chamber"

"Cosmic Cortex"

"Dark Creations, Dead Creators"

Be sure to check out Vektor on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/VektorOfficial

Final Rating - 4.4/5 or 88%.