WRATHEON are a black/thrash metal band in the United States of America, this is also only the second band that I have come across where the names of the band members have remained anonymous. Their debut release which is an EP called BLACK THRASH MASS released this year has also been released through an independent label making this band unsigned as we speak. Furthermore the band have been known to take "a hard opposition on systematic oppression by detailing the need to abolish the rich, religion and authoritarians".

The EP opens with "In Seance" which is racing, heart throbbing started to this EP. We can hear the elements of black metal styled vocals and thrash influences of drums thumping with speedy rhythms. The guitar is on a complete rampage with pulsating riffs and stylistic pitch shifts, what surprises me more is the lyrical content, despite it's howl, the words we hear are pretty concise. Going into the next track "A Fire Burns" with similar layers of the cunning guitar riffs, with the rather thundering drums and cutting-edge vocals roaring through. There is more of an emphasis here on the lower range of frequencies from bass guitar and electric guitar plus the supernatural influence of what sounds like an organ based sound in the background.

"With Crimson Eyes" the tempo illuminates before slowing down, before an explosion of sounds coming from all instruments which is clearly well produced. This kind of sound I am hearing is somewhat similar to the likes of BLACK SABBATH but more of a thrash twist of events with this EP. The drums pounce in halfway through with a more dynamic phase which can be heard in the foreground. The continuity of what we are getting so far is strong as we go into the next track which is "Life". This track really stands out for the guitar embellishing as always with a variation on drums, this occurs after halfway too with the track, so far my favourite aspect of this EP. The drums become more ambient with it's style of playing teaming up with guitar allowing those harmonics ringing out more than before.

The final track "Unescapable Null" is not letting us down with screeching vocals at the fore yet there is more of a deathcore sound here with this track. The drums simply push the boat out here with similar stylistic playing that incorporates the thrash influence together with the deathcore vocals breaking the boundary with the tempo shift too. This is also a pretty short track clocking in under 3 minutes but it's a superb finish to this EP. A gradual breakdown and slow diminuendo (decrease in volume) for all instruments closes with the overdrive of guitar and dynamically we hear less excessive noises before the conclusion of this track.

I'll certainly look forward to hearing more from these guys, the sheer class of musicality, throbbing drums and ecstatic guitar effects is much to be desired. Just hold onto your hats, you will be amazed at what these guys are capable of with their combination of thrash and death metal all rolled into one remarkable EP. I can also say that without doubt that this album really brings out the best of how well mixed and mastered this album is. WRATHEON are here to stay and we now wait in anticipation for what comes next, I want to hear more!Overall: 9