(Armageddon Label)
Rating: 9.0
All it took was a minute and five seconds and a “Drill Into the Brain” to know what was to come. Cali crossover thrash legends sixth album Faster Than Death sure is that, but I think you already knew that. Lone original member Katon W. De Pena (the voice) is joined by Neil Metcalf handling lead & rhythm guitar & bass guitar (also credited for the music), and Danny Walker on drums in the studio. Emilio Marquez (drums), bassist Jose Gonzalez and Allan Chan on guitar for the live shows.
Produced/mixed/mastered by Max Norman; (Grim Reaper, Loudness, Savatage) it is the best sounding Hirax album to date. Well-balanced, crunchy riffs, tight rhythm section, big crisp drums and clear vocals.
After the drill into the brain, Hirax brings three minutes of “Armagedón” and “Drowned Bodies” at 2:44, three songs in, it’s a barn burner. Plus a tasty solo, rhythm change in each. Title track a punchy mid-tempo headbanger, or is it? Love the double-up leads. “Psychiatric Ward” might be my favorite riff on the album and it’s so retro ‘80s in this mid pace crossover groove, then switching into high gears, back to the skater pacing.
More well-placed leads guitars during “Relentless” and “the politicians are power hungry, the corporations are filthy rich”, Katon using a little of his singing voice. “Revenant” opening dramatic guitar melody fades in, De Pena again singing. “Warlord’s Command” (re-recorded from the 1985 album Raging Violence) gets a new coat of paint.
“World’s End” maintains the album’s aggression closing out nine songs at 20 minutes that are unrelenting, not without attention to good construction, moments of melody. Everything you want from Hirax. Great album and single artwork too.
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