ALBUM REVIEW: Beyond the Wall of Desolation – High Command

Southern Lord Records are better than most at having their finger on the pulse when it comes to stateside talent. Having signed the incendiary likes of JESUS PIECE and POWER TRIP, they also have some of the most vital and unique bands within the alternative scene filling their constantly growing ranks. HIGH COMMAND are the latest band to join the thrash revolution, and what a noise they bring. With a couple of demos proving they have the potential; it is on their looming debut Beyond the Wall of Desolation that the thrash newcomers officially stake their claim for the title of absolute barbarians.

Similar to POWER TRIP before them, HIGH COMMAND take thrash and give it a brutal edge, thanks to atmospheric work and a little tinge of black metal influence thanks to the shrill vocals of Kevin Fitzgerald. With the crazed screams that open Merciless Steel, Beyond the Wall of Desolation takes the listener back in time when the genre felt truly dangerous. There is the same violent intention that fills the early SLAYER records, and when fused with the pummelling influence of hardcore and punk that take a more central position here, it moulds HIGH COMMAND into one of the most feral bands to release music this year.

Even when the band travel at a mid-tempo stomp, the sense of urgency is rife, and it imbues the whole album with a barbaric identity that plays off of the fantastical and mythological lyrical content. There is a white knuckle intensity to the “Into darkness we ride” battle cry in Inexorable Darkness, and whilst still feeling utterly empowering, not being latched down by the depressing goings on of the modern world turns Beyond The Wall… into a chance for listeners to escape into a fictional world fuelled by the anger felt in today’s society.

This album isn’t packaged with the intent of it being an easy listen as well. The short track listing is bolstered by the fact every song feels substantial and comes equipped with individual highlights and moments of glory. There is something to be said about HIGH COMMAND not shying away from songs of length as well, and also refusing to let a lengthy run time stop them from laying out riff after riff without care for anyone’s safety. Devoid of Reality serves as the midway point, and at over eight minutes long, it is a hefty slice of evolving thrash aggression. It sets the band apart even from a song writing standpoint, and when combined with the crunchy, crunchy guitar tones and the old school feel to the final mix, it all comes together in the best way possible. There are obvious nods to stablemates POWER TRIP first record, albeit HIGH COMMAND seems to have had better luck at finding a prominent spot for the vocals to sit in the mix without sacrificing the cavernous sound.

There is a very real revival of thrash metal happening at the moment. Where the door was opened by POWER TRIP, the likes of HIGH COMMAND and ENFORCED are smashing it down with their bare hands. This is take no prisoners metal at its very best. If you want fast, brutish riffs, HIGH COMMAND have them. If you want rhythmic chugging to slam your noggin to, HIGH COMMAND have them in droves. If you want an album that will keep you firmly invested from start to finish, whilst making you feel like Conan the Barbarian in the process, there is no need to look further than HIGH COMMAND. For a debut, this is intensely brilliant.

Rating: 9/10

Beyond The Wall Of Desolation is set for release on September 27th via Southern Lord.

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