VENDETTA are among the Thrash Metal pioneers as they were formed in 1984 already. The career of the German Thrash band was not straightforward resulting in a break between 1990 and 2002. Despite this, they release now their sixth full-length album. "Black As Coal" was mixed by Dominik Bertelt at Caffeine Recording and mastered by Michael Simon at Rocket Science Audio Studio. The album has a length of about 59 minutes, and it was released via German Death, Black, and Power Metal specialists Massacre Records.

The album opens with a grim and powerful guitar intro transitioning into the fast first verse part of "Shoot To Kill". The verse parts have the classical Thrash Metal vibes with tight guitar riffing at a fast pace. During the chorus part there is a switch to mid-tempo, which takes off the aggression of the track a little bit. The pacey lead guitar solo is very contributing. The vocals are clean with some harsh elements at times, and they are around the medium end of the vocal range. "Stranglehold Of Terror" continues with the traditional Thrash attack. The track is not overly fast, and the riffing is simple and direct. The bridge to the chorus part is perhaps a bit too complex and does not fit very well in. Highlight is the extended lead guitar solo. "Stranglehold Of Terror" is the official video release, and the YouTube link is provided below.

"No Hands But A Gun" starts with powerful guitar riffing at mid-tempo introducing the verse part. There is a slight shift towards a slower tempo for the chorus part. The chorus vocal line is almost anthemic, however, the heaviest part of the track are the verse parts. "AK-47" starts with extended guitar part at mid-tempo before transitioning seamlessly into a frantic part including a lead guitar solo. It takes a while for the vocals to join in and while the verse part is at mid-tempo, the chorus parts are at crazy speed driven by the tight riffing and the drumming. The bridge for the lead guitar solo seems to be a bit too complex; I think a more direct approach leading directly to the solo would have benefited the track.

The title song starts as a head-banger with catchy riffing leading into the verse part at mid-tempo. There is a subtle change in tempo for the epic and sing-along chorus part. The break for the lead guitar solo is at a slightly higher pace. Altogether, "Black As Coal" cannot keep up with many songs on the album. "Time To Change" starts with playful riffing transitioning into a classical Thrash song at mid-tempo. The guitar riffing is sharp accompanied by crunching basslines. The track has a clean and simple verse/chorus structure and highlight is the excellent lead guitar solo. During the final part, there is a switch to a fast tempo, which fits in perfectly into the track. "Time To Change" is one of the best songs on the album. "Death Means Relief" starts with an extended guitar driven instrumental part and it takes about two minutes for the vocals to join in. The verse and chorus parts are at a fast pace, just interrupted by a short mid-tempo bridge. The break leading to the lead guitar solo is at mid-tempo, with an abrupt change to crazy speed for the solo. The solo is two-parted interrupted by a short mid-tempo break.

"Cheap Death" starts with thunderous riffing and crushing basslines at mid-tempo, leading into a first lead guitar solo, before the verse part starts with simple and direct riffing. The chorus parts take off the dynamic of the track a bit, however, the lead guitar solo at fast pace is devastating. Altogether, "Cheap Death" has its ups and downs; some cool parts are followed by some rather lengthy parts. "Pall Bearer" is a mixture between up-tempo and mid-tempo with an unorthodox rhythm and some playful riffing. The drumming is, beside the lead guitar contributions, the highlight of the track. A typical feature of the album is the addition of two lead guitar solos, where the second one comes often at the end of the track. In "Pall Bearer", both solos are excellent with the second one is played at blistering pace. "For Dear Life" starts with powerful riffs and a dark melody at a measured tempo. The vocals sound a bit different, and they fit to the concept of the track. In terms of tempo, the track hits the road for the lead guitar solo and remains then at mid-tempo. "For Dear Life" is a bit of a mixture between Groove and Thrash Metal elements, the latter one being more prominent towards the end of the track. "Beast In Her Eyes" is the final song of the album and it slots nicely in the overall album concept: after an extended instrumental start at mid-tempo, the track transitions into a fast verse part with tight and aggressive riffing. The track consists of multiple parts: the opening instrumental, the traditional Thrash Metal parts including the lead guitar solo, and the melodic parts during the break. It is a good final song and could have been one of the best tracks on the album, if "Beast In Her Eyes" would have had a good finish.

VENDETTA deliver a Thrash Metal album with lights and shadows. "Black As Coal" is for me a mixed bag, it certainly has its moments, but it also has its downsides. I like the traditional Thrash Metal riffing and the lead guitar solos. The album lacks, on the other hand, the filth, the evilness, and the aggression that made Thrash Metal great. Often, the tracks are a bit lengthy and I miss real highlights on the album. The album is well produced. "Black As Coal" may not be among the Thrash Metal highlights of the year, but I am sure it will have deservedly its share of fans.