Thrash and heavy metal band SPEEDTRIP are from the city of Bangalore, India and they are a five piece band who have been together since their formation in 2015, so they have been around for some time. They could also be seen as a sort of retro styled thrash metal band who have influenced by the likes of EXODUS, TESTAMENT and maybe even DEATH ANGEL, all who were from the 1980’s so it is certainly more interesting to have a band from the Asian subcontinent country of India aside from them being thrash metal heads. The band are led at the front by lead vocalist KAUSHIK BARAUH, on guitars are GOVINDAN POTTI & RAKEEB JAVED, on bass guitar is LOHITH MURTHY and finally on drums is SYLVESTER JOE. 

The band have really only begun their road towards what they want to achieve and I have to say they certainly mean business, as their first album TRAPPED IN A MAZE was released in 2017, this was certainly a great introduction to the band and what they are all about. So since the band have now shown us what they can do, they have had the chance now to go about releasing their second album which is titled APOCALYPTIC KILLZONE which has now been out since September earlier this year. So without hesitation let’s take a dive into the new album by this Indian thrash metal band as the first track is “March Of The Undead - Silence Is Golden” as the march of the drums comes in with sustained guitar notes as the intro is very rhythmic with cymbal hits.

Then a fast and quickening fill from drums with electric guitar following on to make way for the vocals to come in also. Drums hold onto a steady tempo not too quick but moderate with snappy snare hits on the double time grooves, as vocals cry wolf for attention as they take on the thrash attitude with full commitment. Aside from a soloistic move from lead guitar we can now press on into the next track which is “Mean Machine” as cymbal hits delight the listener before crunching drums are back on the attack with vocals and both guitars also coming together to provide the warmth and high end tonality. This is a really mean track as the title suggests and it is very encouraging as well as showing the listener that the drums can also contribute with guitars to expand their horizons.

Aside from all of this there is another double time groove from drums with vocals on top to lead us into the next track which is “Motley Brew”. The lead guitar plays a stunning vibrato tone and allows drums to play underneath at a reasonably moderate tempo but there is enough clarity to hear the drums as vocals venture in for another attack. Vocals are so well put together and even then after this part, the tempo increases slightly, lead guitar pulls off some majestic riffs as we approach the next track which is “Decayed Existence”. Lead guitar gets this track going, with a blistering drums pattern that has no time to hold back, as vocals do join in around the same time as the vocals are just as cunning and ferocious, drums are spread across the audio spectrum when they break into more upbeat fills.

Vocals have made such a good impression particularly in this track with rhythmic lyrics and so well arranged so I take my hat off to the vocalist, lead guitar is just as good as ever so now we can head into the next track which is “Surfer X”. Another cracking lead guitar part combined with shattering drums, again they have laid down the path for vocals to fit in as before the vocals are melodic and full of grit or determination. This track and some others as well especially with vocals, does bring out the 70’s thrash metal influences even with lead guitar providing the melody and atmosphere of thrash metal mania. “Beermageddon Now!” is up next with vocals making themselves known to the listener, as lead guitar is so riveting as well as driving the drums along the way on the path of righteousness.

The rhythm of drums is accented at key points and bounces on certain notes, lead guitar exposes its inner soul and sanctum, as it plays a stupendous vibrato solo riff, but then reverts back to the melodic and main riff they have played throughout this shorter track. “Zombie Hunter” comes in with cymbal hits & bone-crunching drums, plus vocals as well as lead guitar taking command in the more vicious or pulsating breakdown sections kept short. Even a slightly different take with lead guitar and drums in one of the verses does really stand out, less active but a worthy contribution to the penultimate track, as solo playing by lead guitar comes so natural. So we come to the final track which is “Speedtripping_” as the album comes to a conclusion with this track.

The final track has all there is to hear with thrash metal, high pitched screeches and motivating guitar riffs, as well as drums that are clattering but we can hear they are very dynamic and have so much clarity. Vocals speak clearly, as well as some backing vocals in addition, long enduring fills as well as a sneaky crescendo on drums as this brings the album to a complete closure, so overall I am impressed by how eager the band are as well as the talent they have individually. As they are the first band I have reviewed now who are from the country of India, it has been a great pleasure and honour to review such a new breed of thrash metal as I am sure they will go on to achieve more success.