Denmark’s Battery is back two years after
their debut album with another release. “Martial Law” features 10 high-speed
thrashing tunes that are in line with what the band presented the first time
around. The cover art has improved substantially, but the music itself is
fairly similar in quality. Seasoned thrash fans will know what to expect, as
Battery plays to the subgenres strengths, with crushing riffs abound, plenty of
gang vocals, and impressively quick tempos. There really aren’t any surprises
on this album, as it falls in line with nearly every other release from
Punishment 18 Records.
The one somewhat frustrating element from
the band’s debut remains on this record: an insanely high-pitched, cracking
snare drum. Newer thrash bands are no secret to this sound, but Battery takes
it to new levels. If you can put that aside, you’ll be rewarded with track
after track of speedy riffwork. This style of thrashing isn’t particularly
prone to catchy songwriting, but there are certainly parts of the record that
will stick with you. The closing syncopated screams of “The Rapture” come to
mind immediately, making it clear why this song was made the opener.
If there is a slight advantage to “Martial
Law” over “Armed With Rage”, it would be the brevity of this newer release.
Clocking in at under 33 minutes, this is a quick affair, and it means that even
though every song sounds similar, it doesn’t wear thin. Battery also stands out slightly because of their marginally louder bass playing that cuts through the mix
sufficiently. There are more than a few moments on this record with an
interesting bass fill. Ultimately, however, Battery continues to be one of the
crowd. In order to reign supreme in the modern thrash scene, they need
considerably stronger songwriting. For something to throw on and headbang to, “Martial
Law” gets the job done, but it is unlikely to be a release in constant
rotation.
Highlights
"The Rapture"
"Proxy Warfare"
"Battery By Authority"
Final Rating
3.7/5 or 74%.
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