Thrash metal band INTENT, who are from Arizona in the USA, have been going since their formation in 2016 by two musicians namely vocalist/guitarist JEREMY LAMBERT and guitarist RICARDO HALL who both come from the band VARKAN. The duo said that 'they had wanted to start something heavier than their previous band and write songs they could be really proud of'. Then their drummer GARRET LOPER came into the band however RICARDO HALL took his leave from the band due to personal reasons. The band did press ahead as they released a demo release titled also DEMO in 2017, after this the band proceeded to release a single the following year in 2018 titled NETWORK FAILURE and then the band were joined by ALEX ZUCKER on bass guitarist as was JIMMY NELSON on guitar as well.

In 2018 also the quartet released what was their debut album VOX POPULI through Dirty Needle Records including eight tracks in total. Four years on from their debut album they released another single called VICTIMS OF CONQUEST which led to their second album titled EXILE. With this new album comes also the arrival of two new band members, LEVIATHAN BELLAVANCE on guitars and PATRICK MURPHY on bass guitar. The new album begins with "Victims Of Conquest" as drums thunder down with vocals overshadowing all other instruments. Drums multiply their blast beat patterns and smack against the boundaries set by the thrash guitar or vocals. Drums and electric guitar play together as they imitate each other or compliment the other instrument(s).

Enchanting and scary soundscape is also heard as we head into the next track which is "Exile". A punchy kick drum beat is how the track opens as a sharp, thrash drum pattern with guitar imitating this movement. Vocals speak with authority and hardcore attitude and drums also pinpoint accuracy and precision, spot on. Vocals sustain as guitar bends and hold too on certain notes as we go straight into the next track "Shallow Earth". Crashing with cymbal hits as the guitar and drums involve heavy riffs as drums seem more focused with mid-range frequencies. A somewhat thud and crack of the whip as drums do take the consistent hyper tone and multiply when it is convenient.

"Primal Instinct" has a much faster tempo and maybe more throbbing than before as vocals are backed up as guitar goes on a charging rampage. But then the track does come down a few notches as guitar bounces along then drums endure a faster section with thrilling guitar riffs. Guitar solos as well which then leads us into the next track titled "Verbatim". A slightly different approach and arrangement as drums set the tone with mixed patterns before the violent swings of thrash induced elements. Vocals scream and shout as before to earth-shattering drum beats quick as tempo is concerned. Guitar simmers and screeches almost like a synthesiser being played with a glissando effect. Onto the track which is

"Changing Axis" as a sweep of guitar pitch shift dominates then guitar changes to a less bass heavy sound. Bass guitar then marks the rhythm of guitar with those punchy notes as vocals merely share the same tone and approach as before. True leadership and perhaps social issues are maybe the theme behind the lyrics. "Time" is but the drive and continuity of how drums on guitar guides the troop of instruments, each element on the attack but pulling back when necessary. Vocals whisper too halfway through the track as guitar carries the melody as maddening drums throw us into climatic gestures. A build up on drums then allows guitar to enjoy epic solo playing as drums also improvise.

Vocal echoes of harmony come in as we go into the last track "5th Column" as heavy, bass of burdened monstrosity with pumped guitar on adrenaline rush. What an awesome finishing track as drums do pulsate at times and are no doubt kick ass. All hail the devious vocals as they kick and scream like a spoiled child crying for attention. The album ends on a high and well definitely splits heads as thrash goes, what clarity and focus there is, a great album indeed.