The USA Thrash Metal School has a more melodic and clean side to it (leave SLAYER aside, it’s a particular case), because its roots are in MOTÖRHEAD, NWOBHM, USA Hard Rock and AOR of the 70s (acts as BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, JOURNEY, FOREIGNER, KANSAS and others had an important role on the whole Metal scene of USA) and other cultural music of the country. This is the reason of albums as “Metallica”, “Countdown to Extinction”, “Persistence of Time”, “The Ritual” and others that are slightly different from that aggressive formula usual until 1990 came to the world, when crunchy melodies and instrumental technique approach decreased. And on the work of ASASARA, a North American newcomer, such melodic side becomes evident on their EP “777”.

The songs were recorded at Black Gold Studios, Easthampton, with mixing being done by Ben Rogers and Will Killingsworth (this last one did the mastering as well at Dead Air), creating a very good sonority. It’s aggressive with excellent instrumental tunes, but clean and defined to allow the melodic side of the band to be understood. And as guest, here is Emmanuel Thresher (of XENOS) on the additional vocals. The band follows a path into Thrash Metal that’s filled with aggressiveness and energy, but an evident melodic side is clear (especially due very good choruses and some passages inherited from traditional Heavy Metal) and focuses on slower rhythms in a Doom Metal-like tendency (what could cause confusion for the fans). Obviously that the releases above seem to have an impact on the band’s music, but’s influenced doesn’t mean copy. The band is trying to create a musical personality, and as a beginner, they reached a very good level now (but it means as well that they have a lot of potential for the future releases).

“Myself Made Perfect” (very good guitar riffs and bass playing), “The Jaws of Life” (some groove parts can be heard on the drums), “Limitless Vision” and “The Gambler (Ο ΚΟΥΜΑΡΤΖΗΣ)” depicts a personal work, full of energy and crunching Thrash Metal riffing, very good tempos and vocals, with all elements balanced. It’s obvious some naivety is clear to the ears as the songs play, but as said above, they’re just beginning their career (it’s the band second EP), so it’s something excusable by now.

For Thrash Metal fans, ASASARA is a band that must be heard, and “777” is a ‘must-hear’ release.