Undo the Chains

Blackened speed metal savages Wraith are back with their 3rd album.

A quick sampling followed by massive 80s thrash metal riffing atop stomping drums start our journey with an impactful heaviness that jumps right into the assault. Following the intro, maniacal speeding riffs spew a volcanic magma atop d-beat ferocity for the vocals to spit venomous incantations alongside, immediately picking up where Wraith left off on “Absolute Power”. The grooving hooks sit comfortably between high-speed artillery to give the headbangers and moshers their stomping ground while never failing to keep up momentum, including when the piercing lead work gives us some shred-craft before the inferno of savagery continues. The ceaseless energy is impressive, something that has garnered the band a loyal following already and here we can see fans won’t be let down. Newcomers will be treated to some incredible musicianship, fiery energy and a strong production that conveys their signature brand of carnage triumphantly.

Wraith’s ravenous appetite for destruction and debauchery is not only fun but feels sincere, which is an important balance to achieve in this style of blackened speed metal. Too much fun and it feels like a parody of itself, while if you strip out those Venom style tongue-in-cheek nuances, it feels rigid. Here is a grand example of a band who achieve a fantastic balance of rabid aggression and anthemic choruses that is infectious throughout. Packing one hell of a punch that consistently hits with mighty force, these songs pass by in a flurry of devastation that summons the old school ways with its own flavour injected into the mix. Aside from the obvious black, speed and old school thrash metal influences, there is some touches of crossover here (best highlighted on “Disgusting”) that will appeal to fans of the late Power Trip while contemporaries such as Hellripper and Bastardizer (with whom the band released a marvellous split last year) are far more obvious comparisons. However you look at it, that makes for a violent but enjoyably upbeat black speed/thrash metal mania.

Another strong release from Wraith who seem to never slow down. With an album almost every year (except 2020, where we still got a killer split and EP), this band cannot be called lazy. Nor can they be accused of stagnation as their unrepentant energy does not falter here either. Personally I feel “Absolute Power” had more memorable moments, but this album is certainly still a ferocious effort and definitely worth cranking at the highest of volumes to accompany any and all mayhem.

Written for www.nattskog.wordpress.com