Old school thrash metal, from Las Vegas, USA!

CELESTIAL WAR (2001) DEMO

A new thrash metal band is always welcome in my collection. And the kind of old school thrash Avenger Of Blood play is really a treat, because there are virtually no other bands like it out there! Slayer is the band I think they sound the closest to. This is the band's first demo. Although, calling it a band might not be the correct term. Matthew Black, as he calls himself, is the only person responsible for everything on this demo. So the instruments he doesn't play, are programmed. And that is the weakest point on this CD. The drums in particular, drives me crazy at times. The riffs are cool, the voice is awesome, but the drums sounds like triggered tin-cans! But once you manage to listen past that, Avenger Of Blood have delivered a great starter, and I look forward to things to come.

DEMO 2003 (2003) DEMO

Oh man, what an improvement. Avenger Of Blood have become a full band, and release their second demo. Although I liked the first demo too, I will still say this: the new one blows the first one away!!!! It contains 3 of the most incredible thrash metal tunes I've heard for years. The riffs are awesome, the vocals are raw and edgy, and the drums are so fast, they'll make your head spin! I can't describe it any better, it's a trash metal frenzy! All of the tracks are killer, but my personal favorite is "Conditioned To Hate". Not since the German bands of the early 90's were upon us did I hear such phenomenal thrash metal being made. Avenger Of Blood are now heading towards the same league as class acts like Destruction, Coroner and Sodom, say for one thing; they still need a contract. But just wait and see when this band start to shop around. One of the big metal labels are bound to pick them up.

COMPLETE ANNIHILATION (2005) JCM

After an appropriate intro, Avenger Of Blood plunges into the title track on their debut album. And there is no doubt that this band is more then influenced by the German thrash metal wave of the late 80's. This is pure Kreator, Destruction and Sodom worship, even down to the less-then-perfect production. The guitars are assaulting your senses with the rapid machinegun riffing. The drums are at hyper speed, but played with technical finesse as well. And the vocals are harsh and aggressive, with that certain sting needed for this kind of music. Mille (Kreator) has to be a big influence on Eric. The only 2 disadvantages here are the somewhat muddy production (although it makes the album sound like it was recorded when this kind of music was on the rise), and the fact that there is little variation to find throughout this CD. Don't get me wrong, this is a fine thrash metal album, and it is bound to get a thrash metal heart pounding, but a little more diversity in songwriting, and this band would be on par with their German "brothers". My copy is signed by the entire band.

Killer tracks: Scent Of Death, Tyrants Of The Bloodlands, Trapped In Time, Forced To Kill

DEATH BRIGADE (2007) HEAVY ARTILLERY

The thrash metal attack known as Avenger Of Blood is once again upon us! Be prepared to get assaulted by machine gun guitars, thunderous drum cannons, deadly bass pummeling and a venomous sneering vocal militia! Yes, 'Death Brigade' is yet another bull's-eye record, packed with German thrash from the US! And speaking of bulls, I would think for some people listening to this CD is just as frightening as to participate in the Pamplona race! As for me, I really love what this Las Vegas quartet has come up with. They never let the listener rest, and thrash along at a breath taking speed, with no stopping in sight! But although the pace of the music is equally fast throughout the entire album, they have actually managed to create enough variety to keep it interesting. It's the little nuances in the guitar-work, or the "melody lines" (if you can call them that), which I find to work better here than on it's predecessor. And the production is also better. 'Death Brigade' is yet another fine installment in the now growing thrash metal comeback. And Avenger Of Blood are now label mates with other stellar acts, such as Merciless Death and Warbringer. But be sure to remember that Avenger Of Blood were a force to be reckoned with even before this "new" thrash metal craze was at hand. 'Death Brigade' did not have an official release date before January 8th, 2008. But I was lucky enough to snag a copy prior to that. And since the copyright on the trey card says 2007, I am gonna stick this up on my top 20 list of 2007 releases.

Killer tracks: Vicious Onslaught, Death Brigade, Bloodseeker, Poserslaughter, Beneath The Cruse, Sadistic Inquisitor

Avenger Of Blood also appear on:  

V/A - 'Speed Kills... Again''

Related artists:

Seventh Calling