GAME OVER hailing from Ferrara, Italy, were formed in 2008. The Thrash Metal band released so far two EPs and five full-length albums. Album number six is called “Face The End”, and it has a length of approximately 34 minutes. It was released via Italian label Scarlet Records, which has many Power, Thrash, and Heavy Metal bands among their current roster. The album starts with the guitar-driven, 90-seconds, epic intro “The Final Hour”, transitioning into the fast “Lust For Blood”. The guitar riffing is tight, accompanied by the relentless double-bass drumming. The vocals are clean and are around the medium end of the vocal range. There is backing vocal support during the choruses and at the beginning of the break. The break slows down tempo during the first part, however, it goes back to the fast pace for the lead guitar solo. “Lust For Blood” is a strong opening track and it was released on video with the YouTube link provided below. “Neck Breaking Dance” is a mid-tempo track, where the verse parts are driven by crunching basslines and powerful guitar riffs. The vocals follow the melodies during the verse parts and the bridges. The chorus line is provided by the backing vocals. Highlight of the track is the very contributing lead guitar solo. “Grip Of Time” raises the pace, and the aggression level compared to the previous track. The guitar riffing is again tight during the verse parts, while it is more thunderous during the chorus parts. The break is extended and at mid-tempo during the first part and faster during the lead guitar solo. The backing vocals are again prominent, especially during the chorus parts.

“Lost In Disgrace” is a track at a measured tempo with grim melodies. The guitar riffing is thunderous, and the track is a real head-banger. The chorus lines are once again performed by the backing vocals. The break introduces a switch in tempo as the pace is raised towards mid-tempo with an excellent extended lead guitar solo at its core. The track circles then back to another final chorus part. “Vell Of Insanity” increases pace and aggression. It is a fast song with traditional Thrash Metal riffing. The pace during verses, bridges, and choruses remains the same. However, there are switches towards mid-tempo during the break leading to a cool and contributing lead guitar solo. “Vell Of Insanity” is perhaps one of the most traditional Thrash songs on the album and one of my favourites. “Gateway To Infinity” starts with mid-tempo verse parts, tight guitar riffs, crushing basslines, and catchy melodies. It is another head-banger at least during the verse parts. The choruses are almost anthemic sing-alongs. Central to the track is the extended lead guitar solo, which gives the track an extra layer.

“Tempesta” is an atmospheric, tension-building pre-lude to “Crimson Fate” with a seamless transition between both. In fact, “Tempesta” introduces the main riff of “Crimson Fate”. It is a slow song with grim melodies, which have some melancholic traces at times. Although there are a few faster parts during the break, the track is the power ballad of the album, and “Crimson Fate” is a very strong song. The album finishes with “Weaving Fate”. It starts with a short spoken-word part in Italian and switches then to a final Thrash Metal attack. It is a mixture of faster parts and a mid-tempo base. The mid-tempo parts are mainly the verse and chorus parts with powerful and tight guitar riffing. The break delivers a final contributing lead guitar solo, which is the highlight of the track.

GAME OVER release a good Thrash Metal album. “Face The End” is a versatile album influenced by many different styles. It contains a variety of tempi, guitar riffs, and drum patterns. The vocal style reminds me of the 90s period of ANTHRAX at times; however, the album sound is unique with its typical GAME OVER style. The album is well produced. It is not the fastest and most aggressive Thrash Metal album I listened to in recent times, however, “Face The End” will find its well-deserved place in the heart of Thrash Metal fans.