MIDEVIL originally formed in Cleveland, Ohio during 1992. They've undergone a few line-ups changes since then as well as spent some time being inactive as a band. The release I'm reviewing today is a reissue of sorts courtesy of Heaven And Hell Records. I must've missed these guys when they first appeared on the music scene because this is the first time I've even heard of them. So this will be interesting, or at least I hope so.

"Sounds Of The Infinite" begins with strange, cosmic-sounding music which would seem to be more at home on a New Age album instead of a Thrash Metal one. A really nice acoustic guitar performance rounds out the track quite well. Though it's just over a minute and a half long it's a lovely piece of music which makes a good impression. The following song, "Expiration Date," is thrashy as hell, featuring outstanding percussion, an excellent bass-line, and killer guitar performances. The vocals are choppy as well as strident, sounding perfectly METAL. I appreciate the fact that this band obviously has its own distinct sound despite the strong resemblance to bands like ANTHRAX and early METALLICA. Great guitar solos are the highlight of the track. I'm very impressed  with this band so far.

"Be Afraid" has a slower start that still features plenty of power. It progresses in manner that indicates it will speed up quickly, which it does. It's impossible to miss the similarity to METALLICA'S style and sound. Even if it wasn't intentional it's definitely there. The balance between heaviness and speed is almost perfect, creating a song that you won't want to stop listening to any time soon.There are also terrific guitar solos which are an added bonus.  It's a good example of how Thrash Metal should sound. "The World" has yet ANOTHER excellent intro that leads into an even more impressive track. Early ANTHRAX comes to mind immediately as I listen to the song. However, MIDEVIL duplicates the sound without copying it. You can still pick out their sound, too. The song has an outstanding beat courtesy of its spot-on percussion along with guitar riffs and hooks that should appeal to even the most jaded set of ears. An unexpected slower-paced interlude adds to the song rather that detracting from it. I have liked all the songs I've heard on the album so far, but this one could easily become my favorite. It simply has everything going for it. The final song, "The Game," is deceptively low-key to begin with, drawing you in for the louder parts of the track to follow. The vocal style is different, with more of a Grunge tone in places. It adds an interesting element to the song that you can't avoid picking up on. Songs by CORROSION OF CONFORMITY and ALICE IN CHAINS inevitably come to mind as I listen the track's dreary yet defiant sound. There's a guitar solo within the song that METALLICA fans will undoubtedly love, too. It's a track that has a bit of something for everyone which is what makes it so good.

I can't understand why I'd never heard of MIDEVIL before now. They had a sound just as good as any of the "Big Four" and certainly should've had more airplay than they obviously received. While I normally don't get very excited about reissues I must admit I enjoyed this one a lot. It's god a great sound that stands up very well even after so many years have gone by. If you're an old Thrash Metal fan like me or someone who is brand new to the genre you should get this album.