Thrash Metal was saturated by bands using the same formulas of the pioneers, and as a consequence of the coming wave of Alternative Rock, the entire genre fell into the depths of underground. But the release of albums as “Far Beyond Driven” (of PANTERA), “Prove You Wrong” (of PRONG) and “Chaos A.D.” (of SEPULTURA) gave a new insight on Thrash Metal, and earned influences for the new generations, and revigorated the genre (besides some of the pioneers were doing some experiences with their own music that the fans can’t stand). And it’s not a sin to ay that the new formulas for the genre are used on “Te Rã”, the latest full-length of the New Zealand-based trio ALIEN WEAPONRY.

Josh Wilbur (who already worked with acts as LAMB OF GOD, MEGADETH, GOJIRA and others, and who gave a helping hand on the lyrics as well), is the one who signs the production, mixing and mastering, with the sound engineering of Steve Ornest, it seems that the idea was to have a modern sonority without the ‘greasy’ outfit that many bands love to use. It’s defined and aggressive as a Thrash Metal album, but filled with the modern appeal of the genre. And as guest, here is Randy Blythe (of LAMB OF GOD) on the vocals on “Taniwha”. The best description for the band’s music is Modern Groove Thrash Metal, because the names written on the beginning of the review (again: PRONG, PANTERA, SEPULTURA) have a great crush on their musical work, but they work on a personal way. The band’s music is full of modern groove and an amazing energy, and it’s hard to resist to it, even for those who try to evade modern bands.

The trio really created a very good release, with songs that are really hard to resist, but easy to understand and that impose hooks on the ears. The modern crush of “Crown” (very good riffs and amazing chorus), “Mau Moko” (insane breakdowns and massive modern hooks can be heard here, with intense snarls of the vocals and backing vocals), “1000 Friends” (that has some classic Thrash Metal traits on its harmonies), “Hanging By a Thread” (this one has that ethereal and oppressive feeling mixed with intense groove usual for PRONG on its experimental moments), “Tama-Nui-Te-Rā”, “Myself to Blame”, “Taniwha” (fine clean arrangements, but soon the bass guitar and drums works becomes abrasive and heavier, and pay attention on the contrasts on the vocals), “Blackened Sky” (this of has many layers of emotion on it), “Te Riri O Tāwhirimātea”, “Ponaturi” and “Te Kore” is hard to resist to for fans of modern tendencies.

“Te Rã” is a great release, and it will bring ALIEN WEAPONRY to a higher level of success.