Here comes a heavy metal quintet from the regions of Kortrijk/West Flanders in their home country of Belgium as they are a five man band here to make some true quality metal madness. The band formed in the year of 2016 so only a few years back and since then the band would say that they see themselves as 'to honour and build upon the legacy of heavy metal and its varied & diverse forms'. The band specialise in speed metal, mostly taken from the 80's a decade where speed metal was actually flying through the airwaves, they would go on to say that 'real metal is timeless" - and humbly and reverentially do they offer a continuation and innovation of what all their predecessors set in motion'.

The band released two demos in 2016 and the year after with their first release being PYROMANIAC and then 2017 saw a demo compilation of six tracks altogether. Now these very same six tracks have been taken once more a few years later on and in the year 2023 as we now approach the halfway point, they have now released their debut album titled SERPENT'S CALL as of last month. The band is led by their vocalist MARQUIS F. MORBIDUS (from HEXXEMA and MÄLHEÜR)together with guitarists F. SINISTER and R.D. JAWBREAKER(ex-SEMYNAR), their bassist is MACHIEL KESTELOOT and finally on the drums is Y.V. SKULLSMASHER.

Now they have a new debut album out as of last month as we are halfway through the year of 2023, the album titled SERPENT'S CALL is out now on all platforms and I am sure if you do enjoy the likes SLAYER, EXCITER, ABATTOIR, HALLOW'S EVE and WARLOCK, you may enjoy this upcoming Belgian band. The album begins with the title track which is "Serpent's Call" with crazy and wild guitar thrilling the listener as drums come firing through to bring balance to the track as the speed metal fantasy rings true in this album opener. We can hear vocals in the distance but they are pushed back, but stand out with that echo or delay effect, to make them more glamorous and stylish perhaps. Ending on a vocal screech but then straight into the next track as we move on to "Malicious Stirring" with blissful guitars rampaging through with clarity and a punch with drums supporting.

There is so much of an atmosphere being created here with guitars and vocals especially giving that haunting feeling as well as but nevertheless the thrash vibe is there also, to balance it out as previously mentioned. Stamping of drums and guitar going eccentric as vocals dip into the hardcore attitude of spitting words and giving those agitated notes of higher range screams. So next up is the third track which is  "Awaiting The Gallows" as the tolling of bells ring and then guitars swoop in for the killer blow of ascending tension as the drums do well to portray this image. The singer himself puts on a hysterical laugh, which is sinister in itself and the pace quickens certainly with drums pelting along. The next track comes in titled "Deacon Of Death" as electrifying guitar riffs combined with thumping drums is a good start.

There are cries of anguish and it certainly gives the track a different side to the narrative as the drums and guitars continue on to bombard the audio spectrum with strength and clarity. There is also a longer cry from vocals and the heavy duty guitars and drums keep hammering away as we approach the next track. "Nuns Are No Fun" as there is another screech from vocals and then guitars really go one step further and you can still hear the thrash influences in this track as well as others from the album. Yet again the tempo is cutting-edge and hits the spot where the track has completed its objective. "Pyromaniac" comes in with a blistering guitar part and is harmonic as well as surging with confidence, drums thrashing like fury at first but then tempo slows down but not too much.

Guitar produces some pretty awesome riffs and drums do support in every way they can as vocals scream and shout like there is no tomorrow. Even the parody laughter returns once more as this track is short and sweet before going into the next track "Burn" as electric guitar gears up with drums building a crescendo. Cymbals being struck one after another, then full steam ahead into the thrash style of playing, as each instrument does contribute to the track's theme of this burning desire as the track title suggests. Sustained vocals are also heard which wasn't heard before, well certainly not to this extent. "The Original Sin" comes next as we soldier on with more screams of vocals and the continuous drumming that certainly brings the guitars and vocals together.

The depth and texture of all the instruments together is certainly what the listener wants to hear more of, there is that aspect of consistency as well in this track, as the same drum part is played now a lot more. An opportunity comes for guitar to show their wonder and play some solo riffs, as drums to back them up all the way, a full band unison then that goes on til the end of this track. "Ritual" begins with drums and bass guitar mostly for a short time until electric guitars come aboard the ship of speed metal as we hear a sustained scream from the vocals before the vocals speak up more in a sassy attitude. The madness goes on and we hear cymbals being struck again to create those highlights of thrash metal mania, a dual screamer combination comes into play for a brief time.

"Violent Sin" with thrashing cymbal hits before a big punch of drums motivating the guitars to come into the mix, as vocals also join in giving that 80's feel as the rhythm of guitars and drums are tight as a pair of misfits. The melodic side of guitars also is stirring and really stands to their advantage as vocals pour over attempting to overshadow but vocals then allow guitar to go out of control but in a very stunning sense of satisfaction. We can hear lashes of the whip from drums and now we head into the last track which is "Strike From The Underground" as another run for the finish line is in motion. There is a gasp or breather for the band to continue on as they lay down the heavy burden they carry on their shoulders as the drive or momentum is too much to be blocked in any way.

And so the album comes to an end after all that has come in our direction, we have heard all there is to offer, the bass guitar is certainly well hidden but electric guitar and drums do stand out more with vocals also making their presence known too. Overall there is a lot to like about this band, the speed metal side to each track is well executed and there is certainly hope for this band to accomplish so much more, so keep going guys.