DEGRAVE is an American Thrash Metal band, hailing from Jefferson City in Missouri. They have been active since 2016, and in the nine years they have existed they have given us two studio albums before “Metalithic”. The debut one from 2017 has the title “Full Tilt”, whilst the sophomore album from 2018 is called “Degrave”. “Metalithic” is my first encounter with DEGRAVE, and it’s not a bad first impression that I got with this one. What did confuse me though is that although “Metalithic” is released by Shredhead Records I can’t seem to find any information about the label. If I try, the internet only gives me sites that deal with a band called SHREDHEAD. That is why you will find that the site you are directed to on the bottom of this page is of Clawhammer PR.

Let’s get back to the music. I agree that at the heart of the sound DEGRAVE are a Thrash Metal band, but to just mention that seem to me like short-changing them on what they are brining on “Metalithic”. They do use a lot of Old School Heavy Metal influences in the music they make, and sometimes even riffs that could have straight from a NWOBHM band like SATAN . Just listen to the intro, sound and riffing on “Sing The Body Electric” and “Every Fucking Day” and you’ll know what I mean. What that does is give DEGRAVE more character but most of all more depth. It also does add to the atmosphere and it allows it all to avoid being too monotonous. But thankfully yes, the Thash Metal riffing and tempos do pop op even in those songs, making enjoying “Metalithic” a piece of cake.

As for what I think of the album as a whole, that is quite easy. I like what I am hearing, even though I had to take my time to get used to how the voices are used on “Metalithic”. I feel that DEGRAVE is a good addition to what is already a massive Thrash Metal community. But I have to tell you that throughout all the enjoyment I have felt in listening to “Metalithic”, it hasn’t knocked me off my feet. Somehow it is missing that illustrious wow factor which would put my hairs on end. But hey, at least DEGRAVE is solid, sometimes surprising and always pleasant. And on this occasion, this is just enough to get me by.