EVILE „“Enter the Grave””

Music: Thrash
Country: The United Kingdom
Web site: www.evile.co.uk
Cool Songs: We Who are about to Die, First Blood, Burned Alive

EVILE is doing their best to bring classic thrash back. The group is also bringing thrash to a country normally not of that distinction—England. Judging by the group’s style, one would never know this is a U.K. release. EVILE’s sound is a throwback to American thrash masters such as ANTHRAX, NUCLEAR ASSAULT, and above all, SLAYER. The SLAYER comparisons come in many areas such as speed, their hammer-on guitar style, and vocals. Matt Drake’s vocals sound eerily similar to Tom Araya, one could even pinpoint the SLAYER album Drake patterned his vocals after, “South of Heaven.”

Tracks like “Killer from the Deep” and “Man Against the Machine” begin with foreboding, clean guitar intro in the fashion of SLAYER tracks such as “Spill the Blood” and “Seasons in the Abyss,” using the clean introductions to gradually build the song’s energy. The lyrics to “Burned Alive” bring to mind “Reborn.” The character of this story is an evil sorcerer or witch doomed to perish at the stake, but vows to return to wreak havoc upon his executioners. This track's rhythm alternates between quick speed-picking-single notes during the verses and opened, full-head-of-steam chugs. More SLAYERisms come via the wicked string bending during certain choruses. The crossover-styled, supersonic picking always returns, though.

EVILE shows a definite SLAYER influence, but they manage to not come off as clones. One way they pull this off is by including other influences such as eastern U.S. bands as ANTHRAX and NUCLEAR ASSAULT. EVILE also relies more on rhythms than solos, which was about half and half for SLAYER, and the solos EVILE play are of their own style. More importantly, they write on topics normally not associated with SLAYER. They pen lyrics pertaining to a vast range of topics such as sharks (“Killer from the Deep”), insanity (“Schizophrenia”), gladiators (“We who are about to Die”) and Rambo (“First Blood”). Possibly the topic of Rambo has been approached in metal before, but my mind fails to recall any songs of the sort. Frantic speed pick moves the song at the pace of the movie’s non-stop action. The lyrics aptly recreate the story of “First Blood,” as well as stepping into Rambo’s mind to reveal his superior survival instincts and training.

Another personal favorite comes by way of “We who are about to Die.” This is another track that uses various tempos to build the song’s energy. The thick, ringing chord passages hammer home the triumphant feeling of the victorious gladiator. For the most part, this is one of the slower songs, relying on groove-based rhythms and grand, sliding guitar breaks. Vocally, Drake is at his best. The chorus, “Hail Caeser, those about to die, by the turn of his hand, commit your blood to the sand,” should be played before a football game or before entering a battle. This is pure homage to battle! The energy of this line releases fully in the ensuing, speedy passage.

EVILE’s initial release on Earache, “Enter the Grave,” is the type of debut album that usually signifies a group that is destined for greatness. Few albums since thrash’s heyday, the 1980s and early ‘90s, have shown such energy, neck-wrecking speed, and solid song writing as “Enter the Grave.” Youth is definitely on this group’s side, as evidenced in speed and vigor shown on their album. Youth will also play in their favor as the group matures and develops their style. “Enter the Grave” may draw a lot of comparisons to vintage thrash, but when it is done this well, there really isn’t much room for complaints.

note: 9/10

Tracklist

1. Enter the Grave
2. Thrasher
3. First Blood
4. Man Against Machine
5. Burned Alive
6. Killer from the Deep
7. We Who Are About to Die
8. Schizophrenia
9. Bathe in Blood
10. Armoured Assault
Total playing time 52:55

Line-up

Matt Drake – vocals, rhythm guitar
Ol Drake – lead guitar
Mike Alexander – bass
Ben Carter – drums