ALBUM REVIEW: Bury The Pain – Xentrix
UK thrashers XENTRIX were one of the catalysts which sparked life into the UK thrash movement back in the 90’s, and after dipping in and out of bouts of inactivity, they have returned once more. Many fans have pondered over the years whether we would ever bear witness to any new material but 2019 has come bearing the goods as Bury The Pain, their first album in a staggering 23 years is now available via Listenable Records. The quartet have been running amok on the live circuit for the last few years but do they have what it takes to bring their A game to their fifth studio release?
Bury The Pain opens with rigid bass lines and melodic lead work which swiftly leads into the nostalgic, energetic shredding which XENTRIX have utilised to build their rock solid foundations. The alluring vocal delivery slots perfectly into the bursts of punchy riffing. There Will Be Consequences keeps the tempo at a steady rhythm, continuing the enticing hooks and groove drenched nature. Impressive solo work sparks into life towards the latter stages. Bleeding Out throws some intricate riffing into the mix to add to the variety of stylings on show. The tracks snappy, precise drum pieces and tempo shifts will turn the heads of the LAMB OF GOD fans in the house.
The Truth Lies Behind leads the way with prominent bass segments and a restrained, calming vibe which is soon remedied with further instances of jabbing riffs and commanding vocal bellows. The melodic tinges which sneak into the chorus lines provide a little extra enhancement. Let The World Burn starts to build momentum with an injection of thrash fuelled shred work as the lyrical content leans towards the impending demise of the world. The layered guitar work assists in elevating the track. The Red Mist Descends displays no signs of burning out as the riff onslaught continues to rain down. This track possesses all the hallmarks of a live performance which will undoubtedly energise the crowd and get them moving.
World Of Mouth sustains the intensity with potent drum flurries which combine with sturdy guitar work. The riffing on show is particularly addictive and provides one of the strongest offerings Bury The Pain harbours within it’s collective. This form spills over into Deathless And Divine which unleashes a catchy, memorable chorus which is supplemented by additional bouts of groovy riffing. The One You Fear takes a different approach with soothing acoustic pieces which aren’t afraid to show some technical flair. Just as you feel yourself drifting away you are subsequently levelled by a wall of powerful instrumentation. Inviting solo work smoothly integrates with melodic layered riffs to ensure optimum intensity. Evil By Design gears up for one last impactful blast of speed driven frenzy. Unloading one of the heaviest tracks on offer is certainly not a bad way leave an emphatic stamp on an album!
XENTRIX don’t necessarily break the mould but they know where their strengths lie and they execute their game plan down to a fine art. Bury The Pain provides everything we could have ever asked for from a band which haven’t released an album in over two decades. They have shown absolutely zero sign of rust or decay and have come back fighting with an album which will be highly regarded amongst the top thrash releases of recent times.
Rating: 9/10
Bury The Pain is available now via Listenable Records.
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