Returning with full force, this four piece German thrash metal band unleash a storm with their third album. Whilst staying true to their thrash roots, they introduce greater variation and groove, an evolution that’s sure to draw in both old and new audiences with its sheer power and infectious rhythm.  By altering a single letter, the band adopts a name inspired by Exodus’s third studio album, later also the title of a book/memoir co-written by Slayer guitarist Gary Holt and members of Exodus, which traces the origins and rise of the thrash metal movement.

The album opens with “Menace to Society”, a one-minute track that immediately grabs your attention with its dissonant yet melodic mid tempo guitar intro (echoes of Metallica).  The rhythm section enters gradually building up tension before the album erupts into “Misanthropolis”, a full throttle thrash assault. It’s here that the energy truly takes off, fast paced, aggressive, tight and infused with clever guitar riffs and solos. Jan enters the throng with vocals that are high pitched, raw and raspy, a fusion of Udo Dirkschnieder (Accept) and Bon Scott (AC/DC).  For the rest of the album, he channels that classic, fast, screaming, shout driven style.

By the time “Trenchmouth” kicks in, the urge to dive headfirst into a mosh pit is undeniable. The delivery becomes even more relentless, with shouted vocals fired off like rounds from a machine gun. Its pure adrenaline. “Coffin Dwellers” follows suit with a hyperbolic speedfest of addictive, repetitive riffs and blast beats, broken up by blistering guitars solos in the second half. Next up the title track “Crucify This” featuring a punchy, thrash driven foundation and a catchy chorus hook ‘never have I ever’ that sticks like an earworm. Pure thrash energy runs through it, with a touch of rhythmic groove and hard-hitting rhythm section.

“Rip it up” delivers exactly what the name promises: a full-on thrash assault, loaded with speed and scorching guitar solos. “A hard day’s fight” kicks off with more fast paced thrash but become intriguing around the halfway mark. The second half settles into a tight, groovy rhythm with a slightly slower tempo, offering a glimpse of the bands very broad musical influences. Subtle echoes of AC/DC emerge, along with a very brief bluesy boogie riff that adds unexpected texture. The track’s title and the playful lyrical twist ‘I find myself in times of trouble, mother fistfight comes to me’, a nod to the Beatles.

“May your mother wear black”, “Ten years chaos” and “Before the war” keep the momentum going and the album closes with “Trapped in the dark” pushing the tempo even further with hyper blast beats and an unstoppable rhythm section, a chaotic and fitting finale. Overall, the mix of thrash ferocity and groove laden passages maintains the albums dynamic energy. The guitar work stands out with memorable riffs and fiery solos that capture the spirit of late 80’s and early 90’s metal.  Fabulous musicianship throughout. An absolute blast to listen to, it’s impossible to sit still.