The new CHAINBREÄKER album starts with a bloodcurdling screech befitting the speedy, savage excess of the band's music. From the opener "As Dusk Rises", we are treated to ripping riffs, shrill but potent vocals, and focused percussion. Striking a balance between THRASH METAL and classic SPEED METAL, there is plenty of melody to be found as well. The opening riff on "Vile Hounds" sounds like if Subterranean-era IN FLAMES were a THRASH METAL band instead, and a stomping breakdown about a minute and a half in harks back to the 80s. The vocals are deeper than before, but still express that same power and passion. Although riff-wise the band is on the thrashier side, the lead playing seems rooted in NWOBHM traditions-flashy at times, but overall melodic and focused on narrative over mind-melting technique.

The higher vocals are back on "Iron Grave", which starts with a repeated Randy Rhoads type pull-off lick (if Randy Rhoads had been in Megadeth that is) and bulldozes all in its path with galloping rhythms and uptempo power chord riffs. As seems to be tradition for the band, the song falls into a sparse, headbanging march before the solo. The first hint of something different comes with "A Prayer Down the Drain", with its melodic intro and generally slower pace. The song doesn't suffer for lack of speed-which only lasts for 2/3 of it anyway-because the riffs are interesting and not too repetitive. And it makes it all the more satisfying when the mood changes and the band thrusts themselves into full throttle; that into the harmonized melody that ends the song is pure bliss.

When I heard "The Axe", it made me immediately check to see if CHAINBREÄKER had any other albums/EPs besides this one-after I finished banging my head so hard I hit my desk lamp of course. It's just such a perfect union of low chugging accented by chords and melodic fills. The rest of the band fills out the atmosphere and of course does an amazing job, but as a guitar player I'm drawn especially to the role guitars play in the music. And the guitar absolutely shines here; the production is crisp and the fills are varied enough to make you perk your head up and take notice every time one happens.

With the exception of "A Prayer Down the Drain", CHAINBREÄKER has a definite and very enjoyable approach to metal; hard, fast, melodic, and uncompromising. At times they remind me of 3 INCHES OF BLOOD, one of my favorite bands peddling (at one time, they have since disbanded and it makes me sad) a thrashed-up POWER METAL hybrid as full of harmonies as it is rage. Particularly the last song on the album, "S.M.P", gives off that vibe. The riffs always throw in melodic accents and the gang-chanted chorus of "Speed! Metal! Power!" is pure cheesy over-the-top exuberance (in the best possible way). I wholeheartedly recommend anyone fancying themselves a metalhead listen to this album; then listen to it again to get some of the stuff they missed the first time.