Italian band INTERCEPTOR formed in 2009, with the clear goal of writing and playing some energetic, late 80's/early 90's style Thrash Metal. With their first full length release, "Wise Is The Beast... But The Hunter Doesn't Know", they do just that - it's an album that will likely leave you feeling exhausted and exhilarated.

The record opens with an instrumental intro track - it is tense and atmospheric, with pulsating percussion and synthesisers that are reminiscent of '80's sci-fi movie soundtracks. It really builds anticipation for what's to come. - exactly what an intro track should do. The tension built up is finally released in a flurry of pounding drums, urgent guitars, and dynamic and sweeping vocal melodies in "Sturm Und Drang". The song is unrelenting and races along at a pace, constantly keeping the energy high, even when the rhythm slows slightly.

However, while the talent of the band is immediately obvious, so is the unfortunately questionable production. Guitar parts can feel muddy and unclear, lead lines don't cut through as perhaps they could, and the vocals can sometimes be submerged. While this does make the record feel more authentic for the era and style that INTERCEPTOR clearly love, a more polished sound would really do the band justice, and perhaps lead to something special.

Later into the run time, "Cryptonomicon" and Steelbreaker" both feature more really great guitar work (as done much of the album), in both the rhythm and lead domains. Both of these would likely be formidable songs when performed live, what with choruses that would inevitably invoke loud and frantic accompaniment from the crowd. However, the production again holds the band back, and doesn't allow the individual performances to shine as brightly as they deserve. The overall vibe, one of animistic energy, is not really compromised though.

Overall, "Wise Is The Beast... But The Hunter Doesn't Know" is a fantastically well written and performed old-school Metal album! The band let all their ideas out, and don't confine themselves to any set pattern or formula. With a style definitely rooted in Thrash, yet with other familiar elements laced throughout, INTERCEPTOR feel like the real deal when it comes to the style and era that they clearly love!