ASSASSIN hailing from Düsseldorf, Germany were formed in 1985. The Thrash Metal outfit were active until 1989 and then reformed in 2002. After releasing six full-length albums, “Skullblast” is their first EP. It has a length of about 26 minutes. The EP was released via German Power, Death, and Heavy Metal specialists Massacre Records. The EP starts with “Blood For Blood” at a measured tempo and a sluggish, head-banging rhythm. The guitar riffing is thunderous, and the melodies are grim. It does not take long to transition the track into a fast classical Thrash attack with flesh-ripping and aggressive guitar riffing. The vocals are harsh and vary around the medium end of the vocal range. There is background vocal support during the chorus parts, which gives the track an additional layer. The lead guitar solo during the break is relatively short and does not contribute a lot to the track. However, “Blood For Blood” is a strong opening track. “Skullblast” keeps the pace going with tight guitar riffing and crunching basslines. The vocals follow the melodies during the verse parts, while the vocals for the chorus parts are simple and almost anthemic. The lead guitars are taking center stage several times, and in “Skullblast”, the solo is excellent and the highlight of the track. “Skullblast” has been released as lyric video, and the YouTube link is provided below.

“In And Out By The Tide” continues with the Thrash Metal attack and it all starts with a short drum solo, leading into tight and aggressive riffing at mid-tempo. The track has a very simple verse/chorus structure, where the vocals use slightly deeper notes during the verse parts. The chorus vocal lines are again provided by the background vocals. The break delivers an extended and contributing lead guitar solo. The melodies of the track have a certain catchiness, and the chorus vocal lines are sing-alongs. “Cut Your (Own) Throat” has a fast and aggressive start, leading into verse parts at mid-tempo. After a short bridge, the choruses go back to the initial pace and the tight guitar riffs. The vocals use slightly higher note during the verse parts, while they are supported by deeper lying background vocals during the chorus parts. The lead guitar solo is again the highlight of the track, alongside the subsequent crushing bass solo. The EP ends with a Thrash Metal version of the FLEETWOOD MAC song “The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown)”. This classic Rock song became famous in the Metal world due to the JUDAS PRIEST cover, however, ASSISSIN offer a completely new view on this track.

ASSASSIN deliver classical Thrash Metal at a high quality. “Skullblast” has everything one would expect from a Thrash Metal release: pace, aggression, tight riffing, and cool lead guitar solos. The EP is well produced. “Skullblast” makes appetite for more and Thrash Metal fans will surely hope that a full-length release is in the making.