Troops of Hate

Well, I have to admit I did have a good time listening to the guys’ debut feature as they had the uncanny ability to produce songs that differed from the others provided on the same album, to the point that at some stage the listener would have problems putting a definite label on the music at play. The most accurate label, however, would still remain the more welcoming thrash/crossover one with a goofy, humorous attitude applied to the song-writing process that will remind of the guys’ colleagues operating south of the border like Ludichrist and Leeway.

Cool trippy stuff which didn’t enjoy a sequel as the band folded after the release of a self-titled demo in 1991. Honestly, and probably a bit shamefully as well, it did take me a few seconds (10/15) to recall these lads once I saw the album reviewed here as I don’t really own their debut (I borrowed it from someone); but a total recall inevitably occurred not without the help of this decent reunion slab which brings the classic thrash/crossover shenanigans of old with the uplifting “Govern Me”, and especially with the wild hardcore-ish “Narrow Minded” the less bridled vigour of these cuts leading the show all the way to the end, leaving some room for the heavy semi-technical mid-pacer “Dark Star” to sneak in, with the nervy steam-roller “Over Myself” another deviation from the uncompromising formula. The rest is one monolithic, seldom interrupted mosh party that also shows its more intriguing, more melodic side on “Anatomy Is Dead Sickness”.

Although the vocalist is a major change from the debut with his overshouty, overtly hysterical performance music-wise this effort isn’t a very radical departure from what the guys offered some 25 years prior. The sense of humour is not as expressively applied as the band’s intention now is to generate as much intensity as possible from their simplistic template which again sides with hardcore and even punk more than before. As a reformation stunt it works well, even more so in consideration of the still valid old school resurrection movement, and although it would hardly make the band the new champions of Canadian metal any time soon, it can by all means be used as a hate-generator for marching troops around the world.