Switchtense has spent 14 years steadily developing their Thrash Metal sound. On new album "Flesh & Bones" they offer up a merciless, rapid and fierce slab of thrash metal that will tick all the right boxes for thrash metal fans. Opener "All or Nothing" comes across as the thrash offspring of Max Cavalera and Machine Head at their supreme heaviest. It is an unrelenting and intense beginning with some really impressive double kick drum work and some thumping riffage. The frenetic pace keeps up on the title track. Recent addition to the band, drummer Antonio Pintor, is able to show off the full range of his abilities. He moves with ease from pneumatic drill sounding fury to thrash grooves. It is these subtle changes that elevate many of these songs. He is undoubtedly the band's secret weapon. "Super Fucking Mainstream" is anything but as it grabs you by the head and slams you into a wall. "Walking On the Edge" is one of the highlights of the album. It ducks and dives as it shifts between tempos. It also has a paint melting breakdown that many thrash bands would kill for.

Thankfully there is no let-up in the pace. This is a Thrash Metal assault from start to finish. However, there are enough skilful variations on the same theme that move it beyond being simply one-dimensional. "Old Souls (There are the ones)" rages but also allows for space between riffs and chords. It displays a nuanced understanding of Thrash dynamics. Additionally, it contains a melodic and well-crafted solo that would fit nicely onto a classic MEGADETH album. On the other hand, "Monsters" is a furious and concise uncompromising thrash beast. At 47 seconds it is a short, sharp karate chop to the back of the head with elements of Grindcore thrown in. The band clearly has the experience and the confidence to stir different genres of metal into the pot. "SIx Feet Underground" contains a catchy, memorable chorus that adds a touch of doom metal. The band peak with closing song "Free Flowing". The riff could have come from "Kill 'Em All" and it is nothing short of monumental. If this was the new METALLICA single people would be losing it. Although, it doesn't have the same genre expanding reach of Sepultura's finest work, there are certainly similarities. The band's sound has clearly developed over the years and while one would stop short of saying this is a mature album, their sound has certainly evolved. It's a monolithic, barely contained thrash beast. A suitably nihilistic take on Thrash metal that gets the pulse racing. If you want an aggressive and well-constructed Thrash metal album, this for you.

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