AVENGER OF BLOOD hailing from San Jose, California were formed in 2002. They were active until 2013, and after a short break, the band continued as studio project. The Thrash Metal outfit released four full-length albums and now their second EP. “Revenge Is My Name” has a length of about 18 minutes, and it was released via Nevada Thrash, Death, and Power Metal specialists M-Theory Audio. The EP starts with the title track, and it begins with crazy pace, aggression, and typical tight Thrash Metal riffing. Add to the track crushing basslines and harsh vocals, which vary between the deeper and medium end of the vocal range, and you have a great traditional Thrash Metal track. The mid-tempo break leads into a very contributing lead guitar solo. “Revenge Is My Name” contains everything that makes Thrash Metal to an awesome Metal genre, and there is no surprise that the track has been released as video with the YouTube link provided below. “Throes Of Temptation” starts with a guitar-driven intro as a measured tempo, providing the main riff of the track. The track changes quickly to mid-tempo for the verse and chorus parts, and the crunching basslines add an additional layer to the track. The vocals are aggressive and there is a lot of double-bass drumming. A first lead guitar solo occurs already after the first verse/chorus part however, the main solo is very contributing.

While “Throes Of Temptation” was with almost six minutes a long mid-tempo track, “Til Death Do We Thrash” provides a bit more pace at least during the verse/chorus part. The guitar riffing is direct and aggressive. There is an extended mid-tempo break, which has an extended build up including vocals at a measured tempo, leading into another cool lead guitar solo at high pace. The track circles then back to another fast verse/chorus onslaught. The EP finishes with the frantic “Unraveling”. The guitar riffing is tight, and the vocals are aggressive, while the melodies in particular during the break have a certain catchiness. Highlights of the track are the guitar riffing and another cool lead guitar solo. “Unraveling” is an excellent way to finish the EP.  AVENGER OF BLOOD deliver excellent traditional Thrash Metal. “Revenge Is My Name” contains all elements, that makes Thrash Metal so popular. The genre lives from pace, aggression, tight guitar riffing, and melodic guitar solos, and AVENGER OF BLOOD celebrate all that. All is kept together by an excellent vocalist who keeps the Thrash sound together. The EP is well produced. The only downside of the release is that it is “only” a four track EP. Thrash Metal fans will hope that “Revenge Is My Name” is just a teaser for more Thrash Metal excellence.