Thrash metal band TERRIFIER are from Canada and they can be described as a band 'with strong 80s influences and an extra edge of brutality and speed they have made their name known in recent years and continue to bring a relentless onslaught of blistering metal'. They have been known before with two of their current members being the original founding members as they did actually have a different name for the band but then changed it in 2012, these two members were vocalist/bassist CHASE THIBODEAU and guitarist RENE WILKINSON. They began their journey with their debut album titled DESTROYERS OF THE FAITH in 2012 achieving a lot of praise and positive reviews, before they released an EP titled METAL OR DEATH in 2013 as well.

On both of these releases, they were joined by guitarist BRENT GALLANT and drummer KYLE SHEPPARD in the lineup as they came to their second album which was titled WEAPONS OF THRASH DESTRUCTION in the year of 2017. This album also saw an appearance by bassist ALEXANDER GILES as well in the lineup, the band also had a split album compilation in 2015 and 2017. Now a few years later they have returned to the airwaves of thrash metal to bring us their third studio album titled TRAMPLE THE WEAK, DEVOUR THE DEAD, released through Empire Records in May this year. The album begins with the intro track "Trial By Combat" with the full band ploughing through like a raging bull charging forward, drums pulsating leading the way as they bring the band into a more settled down section.

Vocals screech in their stylistic means of giving the track the 80's feel as drums hold their ground with bass setting the tone throughout as there is a battle for the spotlight by all instruments. Electric guitar enjoys a sensational solo part with drums and bass supporting all the way and bang on as well, with this instrumental section as vocals take a step back for this occasion. Drums also get such a fantastic opportunity for speedy solo patterns as well as the vocals do return briefly as we head into the next track which is "Perpetual Onslaught", the second track opens with drumming blasting through before guitar takes over the narrative. Guitar bursts into a short solo part once more then back to fast paced drumming as the tempo carries on with vocals joining in later on with vengeance and fury.

Vocals cut through each section as they come in, then allowing guitars or drums to take over in those non-vocal sections so there certainly is a nice balance between all elements. All guns blazing as we venture into the next track which is "Bones Of The Slain" pounding the barriers of the stereo image with a kick in the teeth. Vocal harmonies are heard as they do creep when the time is right, there is no time to lose as electric guitar goes wild once more as vocals let out a prolonged scream after this. Now into the next track which is "Depths Of The Storm Scepter" as thunder claps then riveting guitar propels itself as does drums and bass guitar before vocals are brought into the mix. A short breakdown for drums and guitar also ensues as the chase is on for the full band as they can't be caught or slowed down in any way as we are in the eye of the storm so to speak.

There are no obstacles in their path to devastation and vocals are just adding that little bit extra to the sizzling hot mixture of thrash metal with speed metal influences too. A guitar solo leads to a slow but gradual diminuendo as we head into the next track which is "Grinding The Blade" as the guitar is heard picking its notes this time for a change. Guitar takes on a more glamorous approach as a fire frenzy of drums is quick and sharp as before, bass heavy tones are certainly clear enough here with pulsating sections for all elements are heard too. Vocals cut through like a knife carving a hole in the hot mess of all that is conjured by drums and guitars, still both elements carry on when vocals are not active.

A fast and steady tempo but not too hasty brings the listener into the next track which is "Death And Decay" as a heavy metal infused guitar line is in with drums retaining their territory as vocals move in for the killer blow. But guitar and drums won't give in that easily as vocals bow out to allow the other elements to work their magic, vocals seem to also bring balance as the ship of devastation sails through effortlessly. So all hail to the almighty fist of thrash thriving in its glory as we head into the next track which is "Dawn Of The Slaughter" with an extended scream for attention as vocals dip into the dark abyss of the space where drums and guitar surround vocals with a tight grasp. Vocals do break free but guitar and drums do lose themselves in the battle for the lead narrative, as vocals attempt to break up the fight and bring back order to this chaotic carnage.

Drums do highlight their stand and contribution with powerful cymbal hits and vocals with an unholy roar like a wild animal, as guitar accompanies but also going into a freefall of its own making. As we now steadily make our way now into what is the final track of this album titled "Awaiting Desecration" as drums lead the way with guitars in tow, we are coming to the final frontier of this album. The tempo is nice and has that bit of swagger to it, guitars or drums swaying along but the time signature suddenly changes now we are back in familiar territory as vocals now can join knowing the end is in sight. Drums gaining some momentum with more thrashing accents on cymbals and guitars supporting in every way they can with eclectic and electrifying riffs to echo on for as long as they can.

Then there is a last gallop from all elements as they all come together as one unit to make their final stand as vocals echo, but then it comes to a halt. So the album is at an end and I can only say that this does deliver on what fans of this band would hope for, which is the 80's feel we heard throughout the album, with precision and clarity. There is certainly hope for these thrash metal heads as I am sure they will go onto bigger steps towards another album or EP as they choose, but we can be assured that these Canadian musicians will not be going anywhere for the time being, they are here to stay. Quite right as well, a great album overall and hits the nail on the head.