Any kind of humor can eventually be a sting, unless you are blind or stone cold. Without head jumping into a philosophical debate, humor has been one of the major tools for criticism of everything that can be outlines as problematic. So why not have fun while doing it? For the American Crossover / Thrash Metal old school inhalers, LICH KING, it has been a part of a legacy, which is still in the making, an epitome of pride. Their number five release, "The Onmiclasm", is set free independently, unravelling the next in line chaotic disclosure of things that we haven't really noticed or chose to ignore. Have no fear, the ferocity is still there, kicking and wrecking, thus, another bloody moshpit cause / effect.

I have been having those inner deliberations about whether a band's consistency might eventually deprive it from reaching upwards in the ladder. Should there be at least a minimum of innovation? Though still in conflict, it is a tough nut, but in the end it is all about whether the material is made in quality or recycled just for a done deal. LICH KING has been persistent in their way to emphasize Thrash Metal's past glory while also digging into its roots while patching several 80's Hardcore / Punk elements. "The Onmiclasm" is a set in stone, a continued confirmation of this fact. Trends out, tradition in.

And back to my previous inner commotion, the good quality is there and can be more than frequently be noticed. There are various repetitions, especially in the song arrangements and numerous expected sections that can be too much, yet the overall compositions, which those sections are a part of, are generally in the zone, following the path. Any riff lovers would bang themselves silly to some of the riffs on display and be sprayed on the wall by the several Speed Metal fever examples. Furthermore, LICH KING has always been a major blast when it comes to intense bone breaking soloing, and needless to say that the lyrical themes are also a major part of the band's success at pinching the nerves, which in my case, a cause for celebration.

"The Onmiclasm" marks the reality that nothing really changed in the band's tenacious manner of songwriting. Some my hits on this one are "Lich King V: Stalemate", "Offense", cover for VIO-LENCE's "Eternal Nightmare", "Preschool Cesspool", "Take the Paycheck" and lastly there is "I Quit". The latter is probably one of the most authentic and honest songs that I have ever heard. From what I read it was deemed as an April Fool's kind of joke, yet it eventually wasn't. It actually tells a short tale of how hard it is to be in a Metal band, and that unless you are bound for stardom, you won't get much from it, especially if you are looking for a steady wage. As a band member, I have never given much thought to the money issue, but to be honest, I never will. I do Metal for the heart, and my heart likes it, and it will stay that way.

For those who have no idea who LICH KING is, fans of S.O.D., M.O.D., MUNICIPAL WASTE, GAMA BOMB and DR. EVILDEAD this is a cause to rejoice.