Justifiable Homicide

That was my initial thought after hearing this masterpiece from Ulysses Siren’s - Justifiable Homicide. San Francisco Bay Area legends, pioneers, and innovators of the thrash metal genre.

Ulysses Siren’s - Justifiable Homicide consists of three new studio tracks (2012), three live tracks with Leviathan and Above The Ashes recorded as one (2006). Ulysses Siren’s - Justifiable Homicide is flawless and solid from beginning to end. I give Justifiable Homicide an edge over their debut, Above The Ashes. ULYSSES SIREN’s sophomore release brings forth a well blended combination of studio recorded tracks, live recorded tracks, line-ups, which sets the stage for a perfect mix musically.

Reminiscent of the 80’s Bay Area thrash signature, the first half of Ulysses Siren’s - Justifiable Homicide introduces new studio material. Steve Heuser, drummer, who appeared on Above The Ashes, still lives up to the technical, speed, precision, and agility of Neal Peart on meth! Guitar solos and leads from axe men Jon Torres and Stone Clement bring forth crunchy guitar riffs which are sharp, acute, and precise, with no tremolo bars used. Bass rhythm and leads from Joe Jimenez that often remind me of Steve Harris, Lemmy, and Robert Trujillo. In addition, a perfect blend of backing vocals from Hells Choir, crossed with Paul Baloff and Zetro – a vocal similarity of Manuel Lopez.

The second half of Ulysses Siren’s - Justifiable Homicide brings live material, one of these tracks being a cover of Destruction's - The Ritual. Guitarist Kevin Albert-Gorski licks out a blistering awesome solo. Note for note, spot-fucking-on! Ulysses Siren gives Destruction a mad dash for their money with their version. The drumming of Will Carroll pummels, pounds, explodes in nature to Gene Hoglan and Tom Hunting, hard hitting and very heavy. A bit of early Exumer sounding with the raw, gritty, unpolished production sound - that makes you feel this was recorded live in 1986, not 2006.

There is no downside or downfall to Ulysses Siren’s - Justifiable Homicide. Thrash metal at it's very finest. No holds barred with purely superb, talented, seasoned, and weathered musicians. All thirty minutes of this release is very catchy and heavy. It will leave you repeatedly spinning the CD wishing there were more. Although nothing lacking from ULYSSES SIREN on Justifiable Homicide, they certainly achieve the "less is more" approach – a job well done. And really love the old school approach, sound, and production on this CD.

It's too bad Ulysses Siren have not released more material within their thirty two year existence. If they had with material such as Justifiable Homicide, as well as Above The Ashes, Ulysses Siren could have undoubtedly been an artist to contend within the thrash metal world.. Hands down would have very much been right up there with Slayer and Exodus! Whom would have, could have far exceeded either or Slayer or Exodus in terms of popularity, music, notoriety, and quite possibly talent; albeit raw, technical, or both. All in all though, end of the day, Ulysses Siren sound like no one other than Ulysses Siren themselves. Their brand of thrash metal and sound was an invention to say the very least about these San Francisco natives; (Circa 1983). Justifiable Homicide is a definite must have for the true die-hard thrash metal fans!

Ulysses Siren’s - Justifiable Homicide was in remembrance to the untimely and unfortunate death of Jon Torres in September 2013, long time Ulysses Siren guitarist and bassist. Jon Torres was one of the driving forces behind Ulysses Siren for many years. Jon was both a brilliant and iconic musician.

Condolences go out to Ulysses Siren, the Torres family, fans, friends, and Malevolence Records. May you always be remembered and never forgotten. Rest in Peace Jon 1963-2013.

Review by: J Sinn
Edited by: Tricia Maddie