Hatework "Thrash 'n' Roll" CD
[Beer City]
As the album title would suggest, this Italian act plays a brand of rocked out thrash metal that, to me, has more of a crossover hardcore/punk vibe than a rock 'n' roll edge. Some of the solos are definitely rock-based, and there are a couple of riffs here and there with a rocky side, but it's mostly thrash that's a bit more lighthearted and energetic. The vocals are throaty sneers that are definitely more indicative of classic European thrash vocals than most contemporary bands playing this general style. "Heaven's on Fire" is one of the catchier and sort of traditional thrash tracks, with a memorable chorus, basic song structure, blazing leads, etc. - and "Devil Eye" has a major straight up heavy metal vibe to its riffing. "Gateway to Hell" also has an early 80's heavy metal sound that borders on thrash due to the vocals and sort of rough attitude, whereas "Radio Madness" contains the most unique riffing of the disc (sadly ruined by a fake radio program signal breaking in against panned vocals that are more gruffly spoken than anything). Faster songs like "Blast From Below" are the best this disc has to offer in my opinion, even the subtly melodic "Get Off" isn't quite as strong. Closer "Rop the Hush" starts slow but then quickly plunges into a raging crossover styled riff and even though it's one of the longer tracks (four minutes) all of the tremolo picking is awesomely handled. I like the recording except for the fact that the vocals are too loud. I'm not too big on the vocals as it is, so the excessive volume certainly doesn't help (in fact it's probably the main reason I'm not so into the singing). The guitar tone is crisp and has a clear mid-grade level of distortion, so I'd like to hear the bass fill in more of the gaps, but I'm not too annoyed there. The drums are also rigid and sort of flimsy, but somehow that works out just fine. Several elements could use work, but were the vocals blended in against the guitars they'd be in great shape. Aside from a winged skull emblem on the cover and a few band photos (complete with requisite 80's thrash jeans and leather) the layout is basically all text. The lyrics are nothing special, blending a bit of a sense of humor with typical metal tracks about war, evil, etc. Titles like "War Again", "Gateway to Hell", and "Heaven's on Fire" are pretty indicative of what you're in for. The bottom line here is that this is simply a good record, it's nothing great. I enjoy it, and a few of these tracks could've made a killer 7", but... as a 40+ minute full-length I get a little worn out. Not bad, but not essential either. (6/10)
Running time - 41:55, Tracks: 12
[Notable tracks: Heaven's on Fire, Blast From Below, Rop the Hush]
Beer City Records - http://www.beercityrecords.com

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