What's up, Metal maniacs? The Thrasher returns to give you an insight; this time, on the Italian quintet known as: BRAINDAMAGE on their 6^th new album entitled: "The Downfall" performing Progressive Thrash Metal, signed via My Kingdom Music. At first glance; one may wonder why the titles of this quartet's songs are so extensively long, well, it's original...ballsy...and gutsy - also funny. It's a unique approach to extend where "Substituting Forgiveness" could well be acceptable over "Substituting Forgiveness with Mass Destruction." It's a mouthful, but enjoyably entertaining. The band release "The Downfall" (see, now wouldn't that be more simple than "The Downfall Is Here To Stay, I Shall Fight Until The End", just saying.) which implements the elements of Thrash Metal into a more Progressive route; including some impressive "Core" adjectives as well, which viably proves successful in this line of brutality. Right off the earphones, I indulge myself in on possibly one of the most extreme listens I've acquainted myself with this year in 2016. If you're a veteran fan or new in need of some brutal material; brace and prepare yourselves for this is no album for the faint of heart.

We have Andreas Signorelli on bass and vocals and is just about what you'd expect; a brutal, and crushing vocalist/bassist. Adjunctly fusing the brutal elements of everything -Core- based (but mostly Thrash that's been transcended an immense amount from your usual acts), almost sounding a bit like Paul Nelson from HELGRIND with a distinct scent of Tom Araya of SLAYER in the mix. Gigi Giugno on guitar; as well as Alex Mischinger, perform some explosive riffs that's a destructive force with a mighty blast of rage imagining. While the song titles are painfully long (heck, that's what you get with a band entitling themselves: BRAINDAMAGE), you're getting an extensive product of extreme proportions that will positively blow your mind and eardrums in the listening process. The first portion serves 3 minutes of each song; while the second half ranges from 4-7 minutes long, so you're getting your monies worth. Let's dive in...

"Substituting Forgiveness With Mass Destruction" begins with a mind-blowing sound production that pummels my being with a full-throttle blast. Simple as that really. The Thrash elements are well-noticed as are the fusions of Core based implementations that combine for a more destructive intention. "God Granted Your Weapons With Nuclear Weapons", "She Can Smell the Blood of a Surrendering Race" and "I Owe You A Billion Years Of Terror" all share one thing in common - and that is to pound your skulls in with hard-hitting, deadly METAL. Some nice, powerful beats engage my fists. "Subhuman's Towns Merciless Obliteration", "Queen Acadienne's Floating Mirrors And Tarots", "Last Of The Kings, First Of The Slaves" continue to keep this immense volume up that have not many distortions and interesting to note is you can vaguely understand the lyrics which is sometimes hard for some Hardcore bands.

With a mid-tempo ferocity in most songs, "The Downfall" is evidently a belter of a record that holds no compromises nor restraints. This is balls to the wall Metal that entices skill and technique; the album ends on a high note with: "The Shadow That I Cast Is Yours, Not Mine", "You Nailed My Soul I Burned Your Flesh" and "The Downfall Is Here To Stay, I Shall Fight Until The End" (I never thought I'd finish a sentence with just song titles) and I'm compelled to say that not only is this the most extreme requested reviews I've had the privilege to enjoy on, but is also one of the most unique listens I've jammed to this year. Grooving out to this album was a great treat; I not only engaged in on a Thrash Metal masterpiece, but Thrash Metal that liked to fuse almost literally all-things-Metal. So what are you waiting for? The full album is up on YouTube which I have embedded in the link below...HAVE AT IT!