ALBUM REVIEW: Angelus Apatrida – Angelus Apatrida

Spanish thrashers ANGELUS APATRIDA have been proudly blazing their own impressive trail for in excess of two decades and what better way to celebrate this achievement than with the release of their seventh full length and self-titled album which is out now via Century Media Records. What do the quartet have in store for us this time?

Indoctrinate comes flying out of the gates at a blistering pace with groove ridden hooks and an infectious intensity. The melodies blend perfectly with the aggression and provide a mouth-watering prospect if this can be maintained for the remainder of the album. Bleed The Crown continues the scintillating energy levels, combining frenzied drumming and addictive riffs to devastating effect. If unleashed in a live setting The Age Of Disinformation would be a dead cert to incite the most energetic of pit related antics. Your neck may not survive the entire track. A flamboyant solo flourish adds the cherry on the cake.

Rise Or Fall confidently gallops along picking up momentum that transitions into that of a speeding train as it progresses. The grit and distinct heaviness are reminiscent of the same components that made people lose their minds when they first heard PANTERA. The speed injected frenzy pours over into Childhood’s End as the surge sends shivers down your spine. Whilst pummelling your skull into oblivion this track also contains a ridiculously catchy chorus segment showing there are no bounds to what ANGELUS APATRIDA are capable of. Disposable Liberty opts for less haste in favour of hammering grooves that are undeniably satisfying. Further fretboard melting wizardry is unleashed which will leave your head in a spin.

We Stand Alone decides that we haven’t witnessed full velocity yet, hits lightspeed and disappears into the distance. Alongside being an adrenaline fuelled thrill ride the track also offers up some monstrous jabs that will shatter your jaw if you get too close. Through The Glass sustains the addictive riff work and pounding drum beats that demand that you bang your head, the same applies for the energetic, bouncy tempo of Empire Of Shame. The venomous lyrical content and dark tone only helps fuel the fire. Into The Well ensures the incredible levels of intensity reach the final act, triumphantly charging towards the chequered flag with one last burst of furious shredding to go out in a blaze of glory.

For some reason ANGELUS APATRIDA haven’t received as many plaudits as their new wave of thrash metal counterparts, but after a career spanning over 20 years it’s about damn time that this changed and this album is exactly the reason why they shouldn’t be overlooked. This release is top drawer from beginning to end and doesn’t waiver for even a split second. This isn’t just an album for thrash enthusiasts either, if you love your metal fast, angry and expertly executed then buckle up as this will melt your skin off your bones.

Rating: 9/10

Angelus Apatrida is due for release on February 5th via Century Media Records

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