I'm absolutely loving the modern thrash revolution. Bands like Power Trip and Havok are out there making thrash metal modern and relevant, and Ultra-Violence deserves a place right on that lineup. This record is really good. Thrash metal tends to get a bad rap for being somewhat repetitive, sacrificing creativity for raw speed. "Operation Misdirection" keeps the listener on his or her toes.
The first track, "Cadaver Decomposition Island" is the first single for the record. Coming in at just over 6 minutes, it keeps you guessing with fast changes and banging riffs. It's a wild ride and a must listen for open-minded metallers.
The album continues on, addressing some of the problems of the modern generation in between insane guitar and bass solos. "Nomophobia" is a name for the fear of being away from your cell phone, which is something that modern people absolutely suffer from. Go to a show, and watch people just behind the mosh pit scrolling on Facebook or Instagram instead of enjoying the experience that they paid to see!
There's also an excellent thrash cover of "Money For Nothing" by Dire Straits on this album. I'm normally very hard on covers in general, but this reworked version is pretty fun to check out.
The elephant in the room here is that it's very tricky to be a modern thrash band without being compared to Havok. Is Ultra-Violence actually Havok, Jr.? NO. There are so many interesting elements to this record, from keyboards to acoustic guitars. I would almost be willing to call this a progressive thrash record because of all the changes, but I know that will definitely draw some haters.
Hate it or love it, thrash metal is modern and here to stay. I lean towards loving it. The modern production quality here is a great addition to the genre. Critics of thrash might say that the vocals are a little monotone, and that the whole gang chant thing is overdone. I think it's used tastefully.
If it was up to me, I would have changed the track order and put the last two songs (which is really an instrumental intro and a full song) first... but what do I know.
"OPERATION MISDIRECTION"
Type: Full-length
Release date: July 27th, 2018
Label: Candlelight/Spinefarm Records
Artwork: Ed Repka
Tracklist:
01. Cadaver Decomposition Island (6:12)
02. Welcome To The Freakshow (2:54)
03. My Fragmented Self (6:15)
04. The Acrobat (4:25)
05. Nomophobia (5:51)
06. Money For Nothing (Dire Straits cover) (4:29)
07. The Stain On My Soul Remains (1:59)
08. Shining Perpetuity (6:32)
How to get it:
Facebook
YouTube:
Bigcartel:
THE VERDICT:
4 out of 5 Skulls
No comments:
Post a Comment