After a three year silence these British thrashers finally deliver there second full album to the world. I first heard these guys back in 2014, when they released their well received debut The Virus Conspires. I was overwhelmed; what a power these guys had. They sounded old school but in a strange way they managed to bring a modern touch in their music. At first, I thought that Shrapnel would become a bigger name in the scene, unfortunately this was not the case and the band disappeared a bit. But now, after all this time, Shrapnel is back to release their second full length album Raised On Decay.
The album starts off with the track Hollow Earth. And after some threatening drum roll, it’s already clear that these guys are hungry and ready to fire off some fast and raw thrash metal songs to whoever wants to hear it. But with these guys it’s not only speed that counts. From the moment you start listening, you hear Shrapnel is also a technically skilled band. What they deliver is of a high quality and one in a dozen other thrash bands out there.
One song that definitely stands out on this album for me is Echoes Of Emptiness. Which is in my opinion the slowest track on this album, but contains so much different styles and even refer to other bands if I may say. Especially the also British band Hell is who comes to mind when I hear this song. The solo on the other hand is pure Metallica for me.
To conclude this album, Shrapnel is back! What they delivered with Raised On Decay, is an album that has diversity and doesn’t bore you at any time. Good balanced songs that aren’t only build upon speed and heaviness, but gives you a real treat for your money. So if you are a real thrash fan there is no excuse not to check these guys out. My only hope is, that these guys will do a Belgian gig and give us a night to remember.
Release date: September 29, 2017
Label: Candlelight/Spinefarm Records
Tracklist:
1. Hollow Earth
2. Complete Resection
3. The Boundaries Set
4. Jester
5. Pariah
6. Echoes Of Emptiness
7. Carved From Above
8. 1.0.1
9. Raised On Decay
10. Choir of Wolves
11. Antichrist
