Inhuman Race

Showing unrelenting impact and consistency across their span of 5 or 6 singles, this is Riptide's latest, and most impressive, offering. Straight away, there isn't any time wasted before the main riff is introduced, which may be Riptide's best riff due to its anthemic nature and gripping quality, wearing its Havok influence on its sleeve. However, the riff work isn't the only thing that makes this song so great. As I've stated on my reviews of their other release's, Riptide shows a pretty linear approach to songwriting with a usual repetition of the verse and chorus, before going into a brilliant middle section which is typically the highlight of the song. Inhuman Race is no exception, with a catchy hook before taking a turn into an instrumental section, but this is where the track differs.

Instead of the usual blazing technical solos you've come to expect from Riptide, we instead get a crushing and very memorable breakdown that relies on brute force and shows a change in the composition of the band's material, which is especially impressive in that it acts as proof that they can not only write some great fast thrash metal but also implement grooves and a slower, more impactful twist into the music, making this song much better while also connecting the chugging outro with the rest of the song with Riptide's signature use of ominous melodies and guitar harmonies over the very detailed rhythm section. Whereas on the few singles prior to Inhuman Race, the bass acted as a baseline for the low end, the bass performance here is much more prominent, with a high-volume metallic thud that gives the tone of the song more attitude. Overall, this is Riptide at their peak so far, bringing the best out of their aspects while also adding new things to the single.