EXTINCTION A.D. hailing from Long Island, New York were formed in 2013. They play a mix of Thrash Metal and Hardcore. So far, they released one demo, two full-length albums, and now their fourth EP. "Chaos, Collusion, Carnage & Propaganda" (or simply "CCCP") is pretty short with just above 10 minutes playing time and it was released via Deathcore and Brutal Death Metal specialists Unique Leader Records from Los Osos, California.

EXTINCTION A.D. have come a long way from where they have started back in 2013 as Thrash Metal influenced Hardcore outfit THIS IS HELL. From the first line-up, Mike Sciulara and the charismatic Rick Jimenez survived (all four are still part of THIS IS HELL) and their sound has evolved over the last years. To get the balancing act between Hardcore and Thrash Metal right has never been easy, but "CCCP" is a huge progress in that respect. "CCCP" embraces Thrash Metal in particular and also reminds the listener on the band's Hardcore roots.

The EP starts with "Chaos", a crushing and pummeling opener with fast and flesh-ripping Thrash Metal guitar riffing including a short lead guitar solo, while the vocals are aggressive and angry with the typical Hardcore vibes in it. It is a short opener and it finishes with a powerful breakdown. The second C stands for "Collusion" and this is a mid-tempo track with all the Thrash Metal ingredients you could hope for: heavy and catchy guitar riffing, double-bass drumming, a head-banging break, and a melodic lead guitar solo at the end of the track. Even though there is a lot of thrash in the track, the vocals and the way the vocals are structured stick towards the Hardcore roots. "Collusion" is the official video release and the YouTube link is given below.

"Carnage" is fast, furious, and arguably the most Thrash Metal song on the entire EP. It is another bludgeoning, guitar driven song with insane riffing, plenty of double-bass drumming in the mix, an excellent lead guitar solo, and I might even have heard a few SLAYER vibes in it. They really let hell break loose in "Carnage" and the song might be a key indication for the direction, EXTINCTION A.D. might go for in the new future. The P stands for the old SEPULTURA classics "Propaganda". Intentionally or not, the "Chaos AD" album started the period where SEPULTURA moved away from the traditional Thrash Metal sound of their earlier albums. The arrangement of the cover is second to none and might be a hint where EXTINCTION A.D. are at the moment regarding their sound.

"CCCP" may be a short EP only that barely exceeds 10 minutes playing time, but it probably is an important contribution of the band's history indicating the future direction of EXTINCTION A.D.. All songs are thrashier than ever but by implementing Hardcore elements in particular to the vocals. That makes their sound fresh, dynamic, and unique. The EP is well produced. As a Thrash Metal fan, I liked what I heard and I am very sure, many other Thrash Metal fans will dig into "CCCP", but also Hardcore fans will like the EXTINCTION A.D. sound. "CCCP" definitely sets the bar for the next full-length album of EXTINCTION A.D.