As far as Thrash Metal goes, I usually stick to what was released in the 1980's. However, every once in a while, I'll hear some newer material from thrash bands, and I'm usually not impressed. CREATE A KILL is no exception. A supergroup featuring members of GRUESOME and former members of MALEVOLENT CREATION, BRUTALITY, and HELLWITCH, these guys are no newcomers. Despite that, what is shown on "Summoned to Rise" is nothing special. It's pretty typical Thrash Metal, offering unoriginal riffs and predictable, almost formulaic songs. This is DEMOLITION HAMMER and MORBID SAINT-styled Thrash Metal word-for-word.

However unoriginal and sometimes dull this album can be, there are moments where the Thrash Metal reanimation is effective. Take "Decimate" for example. This track is fun and lively, perfectly reviving that groovy, old school Thrash chorus. "Crave the Blade" has a nice, groovy breakdown that is almost reminiscent of EXHORDER. The entire full-length boils down to "Show of Force". This is my favorite song on the album as it has fast, slightly technical riffs with great drums and nice overall structure and composition.

Where the guitar and bass are lacking, vocals and drums make up. Marquez' vocals are energetic and SLAYER-like, giving the music more spirit and purpose. Rios' drumming is technical and fast, offering a nice balance of fills and blasts. I really like it when Thrash Metal bands have drummers like this because it's so much more fun to listen to than straight blast-beats. This drumming can be seen mostly on "The Sow Is Mine," "Show of Force," and "Premeditated". The production on this album isn't terrible, but I can't hear the bass at all. Oh, wait, there is no bass on this album. Never mind then, the production's fine.

This isn't a terrible album, but it's not like I haven't heard this before. Regardless, CREATE A KILL made a fun throwback to the good days of Thrash Metal with this album. If you like old school Thrash with modern production, this album's for you.