Psychotron - Open The Gate
Self-released - 2004
By Philip Whitehouse
Even though I'm too young to remember the thrash explosion of the 80s, where bands rushed into the studio to record albums played on the ragged edge of cohesion with change-from-a-fiver production, this second album from independant German power/thrash metal group Psychotron is probably as close as I'll get to being there. This is speedy, enthusiasm-driven thrash at it's most recklessly enjoyable - with a production reminiscent of that to be found on Destruction's earliest work, vocals that occasionally recall King Diamond, and riffs that call alternately on Megadeth Euro power metal and 60s trad metal for influence.
The ragged, out-of-time lead break at the beginning of 'God Nihil' is so gloriously ill-fitting with the power chords of the rhythm guitar that it's almost funny - yet somehow, incredibly endearing, too. Symphorce's drummer handled production duties, which probably explains why the drums sound decent (apart from one of the ride cymbals - too loud!) but the rest of the production sounds pretty weak and ill-mixed. The vocalist switches from aggressive growling vox to vibrato'd power metal styles at the blink of an eye, and occasional misfires like the short, German-language spoken word track 'Meine Holle' disrupt the album's hell-for-leather dash for the closing track.
Yet, despite all this seemingly damning criticism, I really like this album. In some way I can't explain, this unprofessional, messy outpouring of enthusiasm-over-experience-thrashing is more appealling than another 'comeback' album by an old 80s thrash band eager to cash in on the sudden resurgence of thrash's popularity. Not to mention the fact that some of the riffs are actually really good. So, chalk one up to the little guys - the original spirit of thrash is alive and well, and residing in Herrenzimmern, Germany.
7/10 (deduct 2 points if you don't have a natural love of an underdog)
Psychotron Official Website
Self-released - 2004
By Philip Whitehouse
Even though I'm too young to remember the thrash explosion of the 80s, where bands rushed into the studio to record albums played on the ragged edge of cohesion with change-from-a-fiver production, this second album from independant German power/thrash metal group Psychotron is probably as close as I'll get to being there. This is speedy, enthusiasm-driven thrash at it's most recklessly enjoyable - with a production reminiscent of that to be found on Destruction's earliest work, vocals that occasionally recall King Diamond, and riffs that call alternately on Megadeth Euro power metal and 60s trad metal for influence.
The ragged, out-of-time lead break at the beginning of 'God Nihil' is so gloriously ill-fitting with the power chords of the rhythm guitar that it's almost funny - yet somehow, incredibly endearing, too. Symphorce's drummer handled production duties, which probably explains why the drums sound decent (apart from one of the ride cymbals - too loud!) but the rest of the production sounds pretty weak and ill-mixed. The vocalist switches from aggressive growling vox to vibrato'd power metal styles at the blink of an eye, and occasional misfires like the short, German-language spoken word track 'Meine Holle' disrupt the album's hell-for-leather dash for the closing track.
Yet, despite all this seemingly damning criticism, I really like this album. In some way I can't explain, this unprofessional, messy outpouring of enthusiasm-over-experience-thrashing is more appealling than another 'comeback' album by an old 80s thrash band eager to cash in on the sudden resurgence of thrash's popularity. Not to mention the fact that some of the riffs are actually really good. So, chalk one up to the little guys - the original spirit of thrash is alive and well, and residing in Herrenzimmern, Germany.
7/10 (deduct 2 points if you don't have a natural love of an underdog)
Psychotron Official Website
