'Til The Enemies Are Gone

Decimator

Thrash and groove metal heads DECIMATOR came upon discovery in January 2021 as they were […]
February 4, 2025

Thrash and groove metal heads DECIMATOR came upon discovery in January 2021 as they were founded by two original members who are lead vocalist/guitarist Lance Holland-Keen and Mike Le Macchia who is a former member, they formed the band as they found each other sharing a passion for old school and thrash metal. The band met up with each other whenever they could despite the restrictions and guidelines on people gathering during the Covid-19 pandemic, in the country of Australia, where they are from the regions of South/West Sydney. Throughout the first year and a half, there were changes in the lineup, as their vocalist is the only remaining founding member, drummer Bon Lowe joined in the lineup even before the band’s first gig in Sept 2022 when Le Macchia was still active in the band.

So as the band moved on, their original bassist had left, which of course left a spot for Coen Winchester to step in to fulfill bass guitar duties as the band then had to bid farewell to their founding member Mike Le Macchia. So after this departure in November 2022, that was when Ethan Reeves came into the band lineup as guitarist as well as backing vocalist, this was to be the lineup for when the band came to finally recording and releasing their debut album. The recording session took place in September 2023 and a few months later, the album was released in March 2024, compiling eight tracks as well as single KILLDOZER which was separately released two months before.

Now we have been introduced to the band and we have a fair idea of what they are all about, they have now released what is their second album to date, titled ‘TIL THE ENEMIES ARE GONE has been available since March 2024. We can start with the first track which is “Burn The Truth” as we hear a vague guitar riff before a bell ringing sound from the drums, but now it is time to unleash the true strength of this band as drums fill in to set up a quick crescendo of all instruments. The lead guitar tone and bass guitar really suits and compliments the vocals as they are backed up by hungry yet eager drumming that isn’t too complicated but does mix up thrash or groove metal rhythms into one.

So off we go into the next track which is “The Rock” as we hear sustained guitar riffs before drums move in gradually and vocals as well as bass guitar are back in action too. A cool thrash/groove metal with so much depth and tension being built, as a wall of sound with those heavy duty guitar riffs and cunning vocal lines, as the lead guitar really lets loose with wild and fun solo playing later on in the track. Vocals come back to bring the band once more for a short section as we head into the next track which is “Legion” as we hear more fun and rhythmic riff playing from lead guitar as drums adjust to the new timing, slipping in some extra kick notation. The lead guitar continues as vocals and bass guitar do well to put this track into full swing, with a more upbeat rhythm.

There is almost a marching beat in the drums, the track itself has a short crescendo from drums too, which works so well and there are more solo playing from lead guitar with real vibrato and screeching high end notation. Vocals have a more confrontational and cutting edge approach in this track with some additional vocal support also, so we can dive now into the next track which is “Phantoms” as a guitar intro opens this track before hard cymbal hits from drums give way to the vocals to roll in smoothly. The track takes the tempo down a couple of notches, this an opportunity for all instruments to have more clarity and reverberate more, lead guitar takes this chance when vocals take a step back, the lead guitar shines brightly with some wonderful solo playing.

Vocals have the last say as we enter the next track which is “Blackened Skies” has another great lead guitar intro thick and dense, raging through with kick drum counting in the crescendo for drums to really lay down some rock ‘n’ roll rhythms. There is a lot more to this track like extra backing vocals, drum patterns with more improvisation and lead guitar has expanded their horizons with some fascinating riff playing, more melody and umph. Vocals take another step back to allow for guitars and drums to have their solo section, working so well together collectively and musically, So onwards to the next track which is “The Blade”.

This sixth track opens with lead guitar setting by example, drums also joining in as they set the light to the match for fiery vocal lines, savage drumming and the pulse of this track is so much faster than the previous track or two. There is definitely a thrash groove beat to this track as drums have shown with guitars racing on, epic and glorious playing as always becoming more consistent, the band have taken this track to a whole new level, certainly a real climax has been reached here. Some real reminders towards the end of what we have heard before, into the penultimate track which is “Decimator” with a chunky guitar riff as drums support with great build up patterns before a real throbbing section full of meaty drums and guitars as vocals spit their words of disgust and discord.

This section really carries the heavyweight of this band, as it does slow down briefly only to go back to the much faster tempo, so a bit of back and forth, the quick transitions between each section is so well crafted and written in stone it will be forever. Drums and guitars take on another solo section with real bone crunching bass heavy tones and textures, as vocals do return once more after so much chaos. This is just pure filth and nastiness but in a formidable and commanding point of view, so we now finally go into the grand finale of this album, this is “Killdozer”. As we hear slow glissando of guitar, heavenly vocals for a short time but then out of nowhere the bass heavy guitars come back once more with heavy duty drums as a different tempo is set.

Vocals find its way with drums and guitars filling in so many gaps, a real kick in the teeth as the drums really give this track punctuation and focus, even bass guitar gets a nice platform for some riff playing, not often heard in the metal genres as bass guitar can be hidden away, really thick and rock hard those bass riffs. Vocals once more given the chance now for drums, guitars and bass, to let loose in this closing section, but the vocals get their final say and there we have it that is all there is to it, so overall a really good album, has ticked all the boxes. The merging of thrash and groove metal is certainly heard throughout, the band as a unit put on a fantastic performance from start to finish, really can’t give them enough credit. Do follow them and check them out, they are definitely worth a listen.

8 / 10

Excellent

Songwriting

8

Musicianship

8

Memorability

8

Production

7
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"'Til The Enemies Are Gone" Track-listing:

1. Burn The Truth

2. The Rock

3. Legion

4. Phantoms

5. Blackened Skies

6. The Blade

7. Decimator

8. Killdozer

Decimator Lineup:

Lance Holland-Keen - Lead Vocals and Guitars

Ethan Reeves - Guitars and Backing Vocals

Coen Winchester - Bass Guitars and Backing Vocals

Bon Lowe - Drums and Backing Vocals

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