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 four EPs. "Culture Of Violence" has a length of about 38 minutes and it was released via Deathcore and Brutal Death Metal specialists Unique Leader Records from Los Osos, California.

It is not long time ago when I reviewed EXTINCTION A.D.`s latest EP "Chaos, Collusion, Carnage & Propaganda" and I noticed an adjustment of the band's balancing of Thrash Metal and Hardcore. I felt actually that "CCCP" may indicate the future direction of EXTINCTION A.D. in terms of going more towards Thrash Metal but by reminding the listener frequently on their Hardcore roots. Understandably, I was very excited to review the new full-length offering "Culture Of Violence".

The album starts with the title song and the sound continues with that of "CCCP": aggressive Thrash Metal oriented guitar riffing, angry vocals that include the typical Hardcore screaming approach to singing. The title track is kept mid-tempo with a few changes in rhythm including a down-tempo part with a contributing lead guitar solo. While the opener is still a bit subdued in terms speed and heaviness, "Dominion" turns up the heat. Starting with a crunching bass, the guitar riffing is flesh-ripping, the speed is insane, and the drumming includes a lot of double-bass. The initial high pace is not maintained throughout; it changes towards mid-tempo during the middle part of the track. Highlight are the lead guitar solos, one at mid-tempo and one at high pace near the end including twin guitars. The vocals are not overly dominant in "Dominion" which makes it even thrashier.

"Thirteen" is another guitar driven mid-tempo track with a few changes in rhythm. The riffing here has a certain catchiness and the chorus section is melodic with the vocals follow the melodies. The lead guitars during the final part include a few SLAYER vibes of the late 80s era. "Mastic" is driven by the excellent guitar work of both guitarists. The track has a chaotic structure with a lot of rhythm changes, ranging from blistering pace to down-tempo. The vocals give another reminder on the Hardcore roots of EXTINCTION A.D. while the guitars are full in Thrash Metal mode. The lead guitar solo is again highlight of the track. "Mastic" is the official video release and the YouTube link is given below.

"1992" is a mixture of the Hardcore influenced vocals including the backing vocals and the Thrash Metal guitars. The riffing is very powerful and intensified by the strong and dominant bass lines. "Heads Will Roll" is a mid-tempo head-banger, with a simple structuring of verse, chorus, middle break with lead guitar solo, and a final chorus section. However, it would not be a EXTINCTION A.D. type of song, if they would not deviate from a plain structuring by adding a powerful crushing instrumental part at the end. "Behind The Times" and "Star Strangled Banner" are good old Thrash Metal songs at mid-tempo with cool guitar riffing. "Behind The Times" has few SLAYER vibes again, and the vocals reminded me on occasionally on the John Bush era during his time at ANTHRAX. "Star Strangled Banner" has a few parts at high pace and the vocals sound very well suited to the Thrash Metal assault. The lead guitar solos in both songs are Thrash Metal at its very best.

In "Praise The Fraud" as well as in "Star Strangled Banner", the lead guitars are very dominant right from the start. "Praise The Fraud" picked up what "Star Strangled Banner" had left behind. Both tracks are pure Thrash Metal tracks, mainly because the vocals have adjusted to the Thrash sound. The album closes with "National Disaster" which might be not the strongest track to finish the album, but the sound seamlessly continues with that of the previous tracks.

"Culture Of Violence" is a very good Thrash Metal album. It is different from the classical 80s type of Thrash with the typical staccato riffing. EXTINCTION A.D. create a modern, dynamic, and fresh Thrash Metal album which is occasionally Hardcore influenced by the vocals. The guitars and bass create an aggressive and powerful sound where the lead guitar solos are constantly the highlight of each song. "Culture Of Violence" has its very own sound with an untypically complex structuring for this genre, which is evidence for good songwriting. The album is well produced. EXTINCTION A.D. set the bar pretty high for all Thrash Metal releases still to come this year and I would not be surprised to find "Culture Of Violence" in various best of year reviews.