Face the Madness
Killing
During the late years of the 90's, Thrash Metal started to get back into the scene after years laid into the depths of the underground due the coming of Alternative Rock/Grunge invasion on the late years of the 80's/beginning of the 90's. The old generation passed the torch for new names, and they unleashed the New Way of Thrash Metal that is still strong today. So the work of a band as Danish quartet KILLING isn't an unexpected thing, but these four guys are up to something great, as can be heard on "Face the Madness", their first album.
These four guys are working on a Thrash Metal way that's near Crossover in some moments, with a massive and nasty energy coming from their songs. But they work on a way that shows raw melodies and nasty hooks, and with a good technical level. Of course one can say that their music isn't something new at all, but's personal and violent, and what more a Thrash Metal addicted can with for? So enter the mosh pit, and bang your heads as they play! As the COVID-19 pandemic forced many tours to delayed, their plans changed, and the quartet entered the Dead Rat Studio with Jacob Bredahl and focused their efforts on recordings. Their choice was for something aggressive and sharp, bearing a crude and dry sense. Of course it's aggressive and clean, but their musical work could be better shaped on it. It's not a bad sonority, but their music asks for something better.
Nine Thrash Metal torpedoes are launched by the quartet on "Face the Madness". So be prepared by be hit by songs as the fast and energetic shots heard on "Kill Everyone" (very good nasty vocals in a similar way to Paul Baloff) and "Before Violence Strikes", the slow paced Thrashing fury of "Don't Get Mad, Get Evil" (the guitar riffs are very good, indeed), the catchy rhythmic work heard on "See You in Hell" (bass guitar and drums are working in a solid way, creating very good contrasts on the tempos), the Hardcore hooks of "Legion of Hate", and "1942". But for the fans of the genre, "Face the Madness" will be a case of 'love at the first hearing' for sure.
Obviously, KILLING can evolve and have guts and talent to do so. But for now, dive into their music, and enjoy as you want!
8 / 10
Excellent
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Face the Madness" Track-listing:
1. Kill Everyone
2. Before Violence Strikes
3. Don't Get Mad, Get Evil
4. See You in Hell
5. Legion of Hate
6. Straight Out of Kattegat
7. One Last Victim
8. 1942
9. Killed in Action
Killing Lineup:
Rasmus Soelberg - Vocals, Bass
Snade - Guitars
Rasmus Holm Sørensen - Guitars
Jesper Skousen - Drums
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