SORROWED is a little known underground Finnish band that plays Thrash infused with some Death Metal. The fact that the band is little heard of proves to be a mighty shame, as the music demonstrated in their 2012 release "At The Ruins" definitely deserves to be widely known and praised.

With simple yet impactful track names such as "Ending" and "Dying", the band follows this approach through with its straightforward, no bullshit, hard-hitting music. Playing hardcore Thrash with a dose of Death Metal, SORROWED offers much on the album, from some kickass riffs and solos to seamlessly executed rhythm in the drums and bass. Vocalist Jape Nummenpaa aka "Warhead" certainly functions much like his moniker, his vocals serving as an explosive catalyst that draws attention to the core of the song's emotions and message. The bass and drums are quite phenomenal too, with bassist Joni Joni Ohlman aka "Enforcer" providing some thick, heavy, powerful bass lines and drummer Pete Pete Raatikainen aka "Vendetta" beautifully carrying out some creative beats and full-on speed work.

The ferocious riffs and compelling tempo changes are highlights of the album, with "I Am Pain" being a particular standout that encompasses all of the band's qualities, from their technicality to musicality and vicious method of attacking the thrash/death genre. As with many thrash/death bands, SLAYER'ssound is infused all throughout SORROWED's album. An example would be the brutally fast verses and slowed down, almost anthem like choruses, with a dash of twisted, chaotic solos and climactic refrains.

The vocals have some interesting effects as well, as can be heard in "Existence in Hatred". "At The Ruins" is certainly rife with creativity, and although their music does have its influences steeped heavily in old material from SLAYER, DEATH, and sometimes even SODOM, the band still proves to be extremely impressive in their execution of pure Thrash / Death, and their music certainly has freshness about it that surely must stem from the band's dedication to infuse every riff and tempo change with the essence of pure Thrash / Death.

For instance, the track "War" impressively captured my attention and propelled my imagination to a place of desolation and hopelessness, as its name suggests. The agonized growls of "War!" after the chorus were an effective touch, as well as the machine gun imitating guitars. This band is definitely one to watch. They have put a lot of thought into each song, as can be seen by the attention they put into perfecting the details that will carry out the tone and message of the songs. SORROWED does not waste their time wallowing in pretentious sounds and images, they cut straight to their message with their impactful, Thrashable music and heavy lyrics. This album was a good product from the thrash/death genre, and even though the band has been around since 1997, I am sure more is to come from them.