CLEAR SKY NAILSTORM is a Melodic Thrash Metal band based out of Germany. Formed in 2008, the band released an EP in 2012 and their debut, self-titled full-length album in 2014. This is their second full-length, and contains seven tracks. "I Hate (You more than I hate myself)" leads off the album. They build a nice lead-in to the main riff which is definitely in the realm of Thrash. The shouted vocals remind me of SLAYER but not quite as thick in the middle. It's not overly melodic. "In Flames" is similar in pace and the riff is pretty straightforward. Some guitar harmonies might add some real texture here because as is it is pretty thin. The chorus is the high point, sounding like Bruce Dickinson's vocal style if he were to delve into vocals fry. "The Inner Abyss" is the title track and brings some more variegate to the table with the riff changes. It seems to pick up steam and hold it there pretty well.

"Behind the Light" is really the first song that embraces melody in any kind of real way and it is pleasing to hear. The softer passages slow down the aggressiveness, take in a deep breath and slowly release it. But, it's back to the status quo with "God is a Sadist." Though the vocals go especially hard here the riff is just too basic to be memorable. One fair departure in sound from some of the other tracks is the closing song, "Good Night to Fight." The big difference here is the rhythm and the way it swings. In addition to developing a core sound that allows you to recognize music that you like, I like to hear things that are unexpected come up on an album. For me it shows growth and development and a willingness to explore. Modern day Thrash bands have one foot in the hole before getting out of the gate in my opinion. The style has been done and done again for many, many years, and to distinguish yourself you really have to come up with some original sides to add to the meal. I just don't get that here on this album.