In 1991 we saw the release of a Thrash metal album called “Book Of Covetous Souls” by the Austrian Thrashers RAVENOUS. These guys from Pottschach, Lower Austria had been together since 1988 and were proud to have a product on the market. Alas, they didn’t really profit from that album, resulting in them disbanding in 1994. Some twenty years later they decided to get back together again, undoubtedly to do some memorial shows. What is even more exceptional is that they decided to stay and play as a band again, and are still around to this day. And lo and behold, after another 11 years being reinstated they are bringing us another slab of Thrash Metal. This time the title is very aptly chosen, as it is “The Fourth Decade”.

In 68:58 minutes RAVENOUS are treating us with twelve songs on “The Fourth Decade” that house their brand of Thrash Metal, and I have to say that you can hear that these guys have grown up throughout the years. The songs are coherent, but also able to tell a story. Plus, just as important, the band is able to go through all kind of speeds without breaking character or becoming boring or annoying. And that is quite remarkable when you look and see that almost all the songs are longer than five minutes. What does help is that singer Jochen (Jo) Koglbauer has the right kind of voice for Thrash Metal. Having a good producer also helps, and although I haven’t got a clue who is responsible, I can tell you that that person has done a very good job.

I wasn’t expecting RAVENOUS to rock my world or make me giddy with excitement when listening to “The Fourth Decade”, but I am happy to report that although I was right about that, they have surprised me in a very positive way by being a lot better than I anticipated. And before you ask, it doesn’t matter if you like your Bay Area Thrash or your Teutonic Thrash Metal, this will undoubtedly be attractive for both of those camps. And before I forget; no, this is not modern style Thrash Metal but very much traditional. RAVENOUS have clearly stuck to what they know and are capable of, and that has resulted in “The Fourth Decade” being a more than decent record. Will we have to wait another 34 years before they come back again? Oh, the video that is accompanying this review is from the first album. Couldn’t find anything current.