ZERO TOLERANCE were formed in 2022 and they are from Hamilton, Canada. The Thrash Metal band released - after their first EP - now their debut full-length album. "A Test Of Strength" was mixed by Ben Erikson (KORROSIVE), mastered by Stuart McKillop (ANGELMAKER; SEER; UNLEASH THE ARCHERS). The album has a length of about 30 minutes, and it is an independent release. The album starts with the song "Hexengeist" and it is introduced by powerful guitar riffs and crushing basslines at mid-tempo. After the instrumental opening, the vocalist joins in with harsh vocals, which vary around the deep and medium end of the vocal range without any distinct tonal shifts. The track has little vocals, mainly the guitars are driving it. There are many breaks in tempo and rhythm, all around mid-tempo. A contributing lead guitar solo is included; however, the track is missing some spark. "Leather Lung" continues with the mid-tempo Thrash Metal. The guitar riffs are tight and there are a lot of lead guitar contributions early on. The vocals continue to have a bit of monotonicity, but they are enhanced by backing vocals, screaming the title line. There are a few twists in tempo throughout the track. "Point Blank" starts somewhere in between measured and mid-tempo. The guitar riffing is simple and direct, and it is accompanied by crunching basslines. The bridge increases the pace towards mid-tempo for the chorus. The break finally offers some fast Thrash with tight guitar riffs, but without solo.

"Breach For Terror" starts with a short bass solo, introducing the main melody of another mid-tempo track. The guitar riffs are tight during the verse part, while the bridge goes back to the main melody. The break is introduced by another short bass solo, leading into an extended lead guitar solo, which is the highlight of the track. The title track is an 80-second, atmospheric inter-lude delivered by the acoustic guitars. "Kill The Colony" is finally offering a bit more pace and directness with tight and aggressive Thrash Metal riffing. While the verse part is played at a fast tempo, the bridges and the choruses switch towards mid-tempo. The chorus is supported by the backing vocals. The short break switches to a fast tempo for a few riffs, whereas the lead guitar solo marks the end of the track. "Kill The Colony" is the official video release, and the YouTube link is provided below.

"N.O.Y.C." starts with thunderous guitar riffs at measured tempo and a stomping rhythm. The basslines are crushing and the guitar riffs are simple and have a certain catchiness, going into the verse part. The track is a headbanger and maintains the same tempo and rhythm until the break. The break delivers a few subtle changes in rhythm and at its heart is a contributing lead guitar solo. At the end, there is a little bit of fast 80s Thrash added to the track. "N.O.Y.C." is one of the album highlights. "Incendiary" is introduced by dark melodies, leading into a fast verse part. The guitar riffing is tight, the basslines are crunching, and there are many oriental vibes in the melodies. The tempo includes plenty of breaks and twists, all around mid-tempo. The break offers another contributing lead guitar solo at fast pace. "Incendiary" is the longest album track with more than six minutes.

ZERO TOLERANCE deliver a decent Thrash Metal album. "A Test Of Strength" is not the classical fast and aggressive Thrash Metal, it is mainly a mid-tempo album with many twists and breaks in rhythm. That makes it not straightforward to listen to. It is technically faultless, but it lacks excitement, spark, and something extra. The album is well produced. There is still some room for improvement for ZERO TOLERANCE, however, a few Thrash Metal fans will like what they hear.