For Whose Advantage?

Xentrix always had a unique vibe to them that not a single other band seemed to possess. I'm not sure how they managed to do this nor what it actually contains; but it makes the band unique and entertaining. Unlike many of their contemporaries these guys don't limit themselves to copying other thrash bands. The highlight of their career is found on this record: For Whose Advantage? It is their most popular release and rightfully so.

What we find here are nice melodic intros, good thrash riffs, a lead guitar that takes care of melodies and one hell of an awesome vocalist. Xentrix are very far away from being brutal or particularly aggressive, they are more on the lighter side of thrash (where we find other albums such as Artillery's By Inheritance or Testament's The New Order). They have noticeable progressive rock influences as found in Heathen's albums as well as a tasteful use of melody that many thrash bands seem to lack.

The production is cleaner than it's predecessor (Shattered Existence) and this is a good thing because it fits the music better. Thanks to the good production we can clearly distinguish the good, pounding bass lines that reminded me of Steve Harris upon first listen. The vocalist sounds somewhat like Chuck Billy, in a good way. The riffing is awesome too and will certainly be liked by fans of more melodic thrash, as well as fans of fast pure thrash/speed metal. The solos are good too yet never especially spectacular, which goes for the drumming as well.

Positive sides:
- melodic parts that work.
- great vocals.
- good thrash riffs and good solos.
- original, unique sound.
- amazing bass lines.
- excellent clean production.

Negative sides:
- seems somewhat repetitive at times, perhaps they should have made this a bit shorter.
- the last song, "Running White-Face City Boy" which is catchy and fun on the first listen but gets really annoying after a while.

To sum it all up; this is a good melodic thrash album which is recommended to all thrashers!