If readers follow my reviews on Metal Temple since 2013, it's usual to see to see some unknown names from the past, but there are the pioneers of something different that was done back then, and it's being used again. It's a matter of justice to the creators, and to put followers in their due places. And the name of the North American Thrash Metal sextet MORDRED was used in many occasions. And they're back from the alleys of San Francisco to storm again with "Volition".

To those who don't know: MORDRED is one of the pioneers of mixing the technical and wild Thrash Metal/Crossover from Bay Area with influences from Funk, Soul and Rap, and they did it before any name you can think of. It's massive, aggressive, but filled with groove touches (the use of a DJ on the band says everything), along with solid and hooking melodies. And their musicality is the same from classics as "Fool's Game" (1989) and "In This Life" (1991), just a bit sharpened by time. And these guys are still as insane and creative as they were on the 80's.

The sound quality was built to sound nasty and aggressive, giving the ambiance of being walking down the alleys of San Frisco. But it's clean and defined, with very good instrumental tunes. Obviously that the sextet evaded modern increment in the effects, being them the most simple as possible, and create something that is excellent, allowing themselves to be fully understood by the listeners.

Thrash Metal aggressiveness and the groove from Rap and Funk join forces on "Not for You" (the presence of scratches and other effects from Rap is really a very good idea, along with excellent and technical guitars). The solid and bitter ambiance of Rap becomes evident on "What are We Coming to", with excellent parts from keyboards (yes, they use keyboards) and bass guitar. With very good melodic and aggressive vocals with sharp and massive instrumental parts comes "The Love of Money" (and the backing vocals show the USA Hardcore influence). And a brutal and oppressive Thrash Metal expressive energy comes from "The Baroness", where the drums are doing a very good and heavy work.

What's left to say: they're back, respect the pioneers, listen to "Volition" as loud as you can and enjoy. MORDRED's in the house!