I'm not sure what Violent Blast Metal exactly means but I am definitely a fan now. It's how Italy's VEXED describes what they do. I had the joy of checking out "Legion Deathblood" and was not disappointed. This is the soundtrack to the world ending. It's a defenseless head being stomped into the sidewalk. It's raw aggression coupled with frenetic beats and wailing solos. "Legion Deathblood" is heavy, fierce and evil and it's what I feel we need more of in Metal. The album kicks off with a slight bit of atmosphere, a choir and some ominous sounds. It then ramps up to something much more harsh and heavy. By the time the vocals first roar "Six Six Six!" it's understood that this is going to be an onslaught.

VEXED approaches metal with solid basics. The riffs are catchy and evil, the solos are great, and the bass is thick and low, the drumming is fast and intense. Everything comes together to sound like it's welcoming the devil to overthrow the Earth. What I'm saying is, it's ominous and it's heavy...and it's going to kick your ass. The vocals here are not trying to sound like singing or growling. It's yelling reminiscent of CROSS-EXAMINATION, just not as frantic. Or, perhaps GODDESS OF DESIRE with more gravel. The vocal style is delivered like a punch to the face. There's a clear MOTORHEAD influence that comes through and it fits the sound perfectly I feel. A lot of the choruses seem inviting to being shouted along with.

If there's one thing I think detracted from the album it was the interlude sections. I understand that this can sometimes build atmosphere, sure there are albums like PESTILENCE's classic "Testimony of the Ancients" where the atmosphere and the synths are part of a journey or story that carries you along. In VEXED's release these felt more like filler. If only because this band is so incredibly fast and intense that it actually felt like these sections detracted from the momentum the songs had built up. In songs where this was used as part of the song like in "Death Order," "Trash and Bullshit Submission," and "Godfather of Doom" this was used with great effect and it definitely added to the experience. I don't mind an atmospheric intro, but when an entire track is just screaming or fire or keyboards it can go on for too long. In an album like this especially, I would prefer to have more of the awesome music itself. I guess I could see this good for having the band take a quick breather live.

The Thrash metal sound focusing on the occult reminds me of VENOM however this is a rawer, grittier take on the style. I like this album because it's for the most part uncompromising. You're getting a blunt force attack of Metal. It comes at you like a psychopath with a chainsaw. It sounds ominous and aggressive and it nails the things about Metal that make it great (There's even a BATHORY cover!). Despite what amounts to maybe five minutes of non-music at most, this album is an auditory berserker charge that I highly recommend adding to any collection.