ANGELUS APATRIDA is a thrash metal band from Spain, who formed in 2000.  Their new album, the self titled "Angelus Apatrida," is their seventh full length album. They have also released two splits, an EP and a demo. I'll be honest and upfront in this review:  "Angelus Apatrida," is one of the most exciting thrash metal albums I have heard in years.  I'll admit that I don't keep up with thrash as much as the other metal genres but this blows away nearly ever other band or album I've heard in the scene lately.

It may or may not go without without saying because thrash is so known for this but the non stop speed and fury of this album really elevates it above their peers.  Not only that but they are able to harness such fury because of their excellent song writing skills.  This isn't speed for the sake of it or some anger born out of boredom or shock value.  There is real carefully crafted songs here by real musicians who take their craft seriously.

The emotions and convictions run high as well.  This is very much a political album.  I won't get into specifics because I'm not here to debate politics but any thrash fan knows the genre has always been wrapped up in such things.  However, despite what me or you may or may not believe, this band has their own thoughts and they fucking really do believe them.  I can hear and feel it across this album's then tracks and forty six minute run time.

The production is another element that boosts this album to another level. It may be a bit thin but it is also loud and clear and able to harness the energy of the band and allow each instrument to shine.  The bass is especially a standout which blows my mind because it has been years since I've heard or cared about bass in a thrash metal band.  But Jose slaps and rips his way across the album, rivaling the other members in guile and guts.

The opening track, "Indoctrinate" is five and a half minutes of non stop energy and power. The riffs are a musical steam roller and the speed at which they change and still stay coherent is impressive. At the 2:01 mark, the drums hit at just the right time to help bring out the riffs. After, the band thrashes out, with the bass popping out from the riffs. "Bleed The Crown," filled with groove, one that keeps the song flowing smooth harnesses the speed to use just the right way. A blazing guitar solo cuts the song down the middle before the band doubles down with a riff/drum combo that just wrecks everything with tumultuous determination.

"A Childhoods End" is an interesting track because it has a slightly melodic atmosphere especially in the chorus. The band throws in some denser, slower moments that bridge the gaps between the speedier parts. The vocals are a more brutal too, a little more heavier. There are plenty of head banging passages that keep the song from straying too far while still allowing it variety. "Through The Glass," contains many of the albums best riffs. The opening one is especially fantastic and the drums boost it up to even higher levels. There is some melody added to the riffs in places and I think it really helps their sound. The beat down at the halfway mark was made for the pit and I can see this song being a hit live.

"Into The Well" had half second stops in between barrage of riffs in the beginning and after each of those brief moments of silence the riffs sound even heavier. A little over half way the speed is traded in for intensity then ramps back up to lead into another section of the start and stop riffs for a brutal ending. This is an excellent close because it sounds so expansive which isn't a word I normally use for thrash.

All in all, I am kicking myself for just now experiencing this band's music but better than late than never, right?  As far as I'm concerned, ANGELUS APATRIDA's self titled album is recommended for anyone who wants to get back into thrash metal or if you just want an album that is a fire starter from beginning to end.