ALBUM REVIEW: Aftermath – Angelus Apatrida
Spanish thrashers ANGELUS APATRIDA achieved significant success with their most recent self-titled outing in 2021, rocketing up to the number one slot in their homeland – no easy feat for a metal band! With zero intention of just casually resting on this milestone, the seasoned quartet are back with a bang. Aftermath is due for release on October 20th via Century Media Records and is poised to be another impressive feather in their already brimming cap.
Scavenger shoots off like a ballistic missile. Speed-soaked riffing and meticulous drum work immediately send the energy levels surging through the ceiling. Cold follows suit with an abundance of satisfying hooks and punchy grooves. The powerful, aggressive tone perfectly compliments the gritty delivery of frontman Guillermo Izquierdo. Snob is laced with pure fury, leaving a trail of scorched earth in its wake. The added bonus of the iconic Jamey Jasta lending his commanding presence to proceedings creates a certified pit anthem.
Fire Eyes opts for a more dramatic, simmering approach in the early going. Pulsing drum beats usher in further waves of enticing riff sequences. Melodic elements break through the crunchy heaviness, particularly amplified by the fret-melting talents of WARCRY axeman Pablo García Fernández. Rats gleefully slaps that turbo button once more, disappearing in a cloud of smoke in rapid fashion. Expertly proficient guitar gymnastics leave their mark.
It’s a very rare occurrence to see an out-and-out thrash band venture into the realms of eight-minute tracks but To Whom It May Concern possesses a lot of creative charm. The slow build warms you up for the multiple courses of razor-sharp riffing with a side order of intriguing melodic segments. The lead work towards the back end hits that sweet spot. Gernika sticks to the tried and tested thrash metal blueprint, no frills just white-hot, headbang-inducing acceleration. I Am Hatred joins in on the adrenaline rush, rifling through swift riffing and polished drum rhythms.
What Kills Us All keeps you guessing with slick tempo shifts, veering off in a variety of directions at a moment’s notice. Throw in the unique skills of Spanish rapper Sho-Hai and you’ve got yourself an unexpected but welcome clash of styles. Vultures And Butterflies is also a bit of a wild card, throwing in power metal-infused melodies alongside one final guest appearance in the form of QUEENSRYCHE‘s Todd La Torre to add some extra star power. Blending their signature sound with what may be deemed as an unconventional partnership has certainly paid off and provides a fulfilling culmination.
ANGELUS APATRIDA have proved throughout their career that they are not your run-of-the-mill thrash metal band. They are continuously refreshing their sound and innovating to set themselves apart from the pack. Aftermath showcases many bold and daring choices which prove to be a beneficial decision as the album keeps you engaged with its diversity. Like a fine whiskey, the talented Spaniards continue to get better with age.
Rating: 9/10
Aftermath is set for release on October 20th via Century Media Records.
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