For Whose Advantage?

On my last review, I reviewed Xentrix's debut "Shattered Existence" from 1989. That album is a masterpiece in it's own right, but THIS however is just beyond amazing, this is simply DIVINE! Xentrix's sophomore effort "For Whose Advantage?" is a technical/progressive thrash masterpiece and this record is what secured Xentrix as being the greatest British thrash band to grace god's green earth! Let's take a look at this classic!

The album begins with the thrash classic "Questions". Just like he did so on Shattered Existence,Chris Astley does an even more extraordinary job on this record. His riffs are more technical and progressive than the previous album, with some odd time signatures and tempo changes coming into play. Stan Havard's solos are even better than the previous record, with some very melodic guitar work to be found. The little melody before the solo on "Questions" is one of my favorites. Overall, "Questions" is a perfect opener.

The album's production is perfect. Producer John Cuniberti did an incredible job on the production. The guitars have a razor sharp edge to them, Macka's bass is highly audible, and Dennis Gasser's drums are well produced. As for a recommended track, well the title track is the best. I recommend that. I also recommend "New Beginnings", the acoustic instrumental.

The album overall has no boring moment to be found. Every song is perfect, and the guitar tone is killer. I also thought that Chris Astley's vocals sounded like James Hetfield, there is a similarity there. His vocal style is like this throughout the record, but it is never too redundant or repetitive. This album is the greatest British thrash album of all time, it is right up there with Onslaught's In Search Of Sanity, Sabbat's History Of A Time To Come, and Hydra Vein's Rather Death Than False Of Faith!

So there you have it folks, Xentrix's magnum opus will change your life and view on thrash forever upon first listen. This record is slightly more technical/progressive than their previous effort. The riffs here are some of my favorites in all of thrash, there in no dull moment. It is riff after riff after riff after riff after riff after RIFF!!! Unfortunately this album is quite expensive, my copy I got for $12 on Amazon, but the Japanese pressing can easily go for $200. I got lucky I guess, good luck if you're searching for it!

Highlights: EVERYTHING!!! Especially "New Beginnings"