Well, it seems that the city of Raleigh, in North Carolina (on United States) has a consolidated Metal scene. Yes, because some names are appearing on this city, and it's a proof that Metal is becoming strong once more in USA. Maybe someday it can be as it was on the 80s. But until this day that can answer our hopes, we can hear very good and nasty music as the trio SUPPRESSIVE FIRE that is coming with their first album, "Bedlam".

Their work is based upon an aggressive mix between Thrash Metal with some influences from Black Metal. But their overall sound has that influence coming from the 80s, from the earlier works of bands as SODOM, DESTRUCTION and SLAYER. No, there's nothing wrong with them, because they are not copying someone. They are doing the things in their own way, not being a "wannabe" clone of the 80s. No, here things are nasty and really aggressive, and not technically virtuous, but done with a simple and modern way, like TOXIC HOLOCAUST does.

Their production (done by the band itself) is their stronger point. Yes, because the band playing in a way of the 80s must have a particular and aggressive raw sound that is different from the modern qualities we usually hear in our present times. But they aligned this factor with a modern quality, creating a hybrid sound quality that sounds organic, but clear. Joel Grind (yes, the guitarist/vocalist from TOXIC HOLOCAUST) did a fine work on the mixing and mastering, and the tunes of the musical instruments are good (except for the snare drum). And the art of the cover was done by Par Olofsson, and it's really great, showing what the band's music is.

To be honest, "Bedlam" is just a sample of what SUPPRESSIVE FIRE will show in a near future; because you can feel that they are still evolving. But songs as the nasty and strong "Ceasefire" and "The Hellwraith", both with its very good guitars and fine rhythmic variations; the bitter and slow headshot called "Thy Flesh Consumed" (very good bass guitar and drums work); the energetic and hooking tempos on "Bayonet Penetration" (very good vocals and rhythmic changes); the savage and mosh-pitting "Ironsights" (if you stay stopped with these riffs, you're really dead); the hypnotic raw energy of "Crucify the Kings"; and the violent attack done by the bass guitar and drums on "Bedlam".

So, this is their first album, and they really have a long way to go, but "Bedlam" shows clearly that SUPPRESSIVE FIRE is a name to have our attention.<