Written by Alex Stojanovic TRACK LISTING When The Lions Die Crypts Of Madness Purified By Fire Deathstalker Profane Prayer The Return Of The Reaper Virtues Of Destruction The Fire Paths Of Fate Release Date: March 1, 2024 Label: Nuclear Blast Records Website: suicidalangels.net facebook.com/SuicidalAngels instagram.com/suicidalangelsofficial |
Nick Melissourgos - Vocals & guitars / Orfeas Tzortzopoulos - Drums / Angel Lelikakis - Bass / Gus Drax - Lead guitars
At this point, you know what to expect with Suicidal Angels, and that's some pure unadultered thrash very much in the vein of Slayer, and a bit of Exodus thrown in. The amount of "0-0-0-0-0-0" tremolo riffs to be found throughout the band's career is enough to make Kerry King cream his pants. The record fires off with the triple-shot of "When The Lions Die", "Crypts Of Madness" and "Purified By Fire", filled with adrenaline-infused riffs as sharp as a Rambo knife. When we get to "Deathstalker", we get something a little bit different. The pulled back tempo, melodic riffing and harmonies make this one feel like a tribute to Iron Maiden. While being known for his gruff shouting vocals, Nick Melissourgos takes a chance and incorporates clean vocals towards the end of the track, which was a nice surprise.
The second half contains some strong thrashers too, with the title track sporting the strongest riffing on the entire record. The same can be said about "The Return Of The Reaper" and "Virtues Of Destruction". However, it's the closing track "The Fire Paths Of Fate" where Suicidal Angels really showcase their strengths in songwriting. It shows that in addition to writing pit-starting thrashers, they also have the capability to stretch out and create something truly epic, with the inclusion of female vocals and traditional Greek instruments. It's a summation of all the best elements that Suicidal Angels has to offer, and then some.
While much of the album is very run-of-the-mill thrash, this is the album that Kerry King wishes he wrote. Just when I thought that the creative juices were drying up for Suicidal Angels, they come roaring back with a beast of an album that proved me wrong. I personally cannot wait to hear where they go next in terms of evolution in the future. You keep the best of what we all know and love, while giving hints of where you're going next! Take notes Kerry King, this is how you do it!
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