The Pitch: Forget about the new Kreator album or the Big 4 for that matter; Australia's Harlott from Metal Blade Records is the thrash metal you so deperately need in 2017. FFO Slayer, Exodus, Terrifier
What I Like: As some of you may have noticed, you could probably count the number of proper thrash metal albums I've covered in the past 12 months on one hand. Furthermore, I did not cover a single one of the Big 4 releases. My reasoning: I love thrash, but I don't engage in hero worship (as much as I can control, anyways). I'm all about the classic releases, but I'm not going to waste time talking about any new release, from an established act or otherwise, that I find to be mediocre and/or is already covered by countless other music media outlets. All that to say Harlott is certainly worth your time whether you're a hardcore thrasher or just your average metal fan.
Invoking the riffs and vocal inflections of both Slayer and Exodus, but infusing them with a youthful and fresh vitality, Extinction is a total rager. Endless hooks and highly energetic soloing and drumming batter the listener endlessly over the course of this album with devastating results. And what helps makes it really come together is that the somewhat old-school vocal delivery strikes the perfect balance; not taking itself too seriously or turning into a purposefully corny caricature. Prepare to be blasted with intense music backed by apocalypic lyricism.
What I Don't Like: Now I just praised the vocals, but I do have an exception. "And Darkness Brings the Light" is really the only song on that album that I don't love to death. It steps into territory that I find so distractingly goofy about a lot of thrash metal albums that cross my path these days.
The Verdict: Head over to your nearest music store, trade in those new Big 4 albums you've been trying to convince yourself are still awesome, and buy this and Terrifier instead. You know it's the right thing to do.
Flight's Fav's: Extinction, The Penitent, First World Solutions
Disclaimer: if you genuinely loved any of the albums I somewhat diss in this review, no offense is meant. This is my opinion and mine alone. Ultimately I support your enjoyment of music with whatever band that may be regardless of my own bias.