Thursday, February 13, 2014

Vindicator – Sleeping With Evil

 
Vindicator might just be the most underappreciated newer thrash band around. They never seem to draw as much attention as equally great bands like Lich King or Bonded By Blood, despite being around just as long, and often having an even more sizeable discography than similar bands. Their latest release comes in the form of an EP, and while it is somewhat of a mixed bag in terms of content, it is all quality. The meat of this EP is the three-song run at the beginning. “Sleeping With Evil” is an up tempo thrasher built on some simple chugging riffs that are driven by Vic Stown’s charismatic vocals. Vindicator is often described as a combination of Megadeth and Nuclear Assault, and the primary reason for that in my eyes is the vocals of Stown (alongside the band’s socio-political lyrics). Much like both Mustaine and Connolly, Stown has one of those voices that is immediately recognizable: somewhat higher pitched, a little weird at first, but with lots of enthusiasm. The chorus of the title track is a prime example of where his singing really shines. The next two tracks generally fall in line with a typical new wave thrash band, and though neither are as strong as the title track, both will put some wear on your neck when all is said and done. They’re considerably faster than “Sleeping With Evil” and will certainly fulfill your need to rage. 

The other half of “Sleeping With Evil” is less straightforward. Consisting of an instrumental, a demo, and a live track, I can’t help but feel that the band ran out of material. As mentioned earlier, none of these tracks are bad, but they feel a bit out of place after the incredibly strong lineup at the beginning of the EP. "Destruction of Justice" is well-transitioned into, but the lack of Stown's vocals leave a bit of a hole in the band's sound. In the end, however, the existence of these songs really does justice to the concept of an EP: it leaves you wanting more. Vindicator does such an impressive job on the three main tracks that the only thing that can be done is to put this on repeat until they put out another album. The last full length was good, but this even outdoes that release.

Be sure to check out and like Vindicator on Facebook!

Highlights
"Sleeping With Evil"
"Hockey Stick Vengeance"
"New Clear Assault (End of an Error)"

Final Rating
4.2/5 or 84%. 

Written by Scott