ALBUM REVIEW: Detritus Of The Final Age – Harlott
2020 has already been a pretty fruitful year for thrash metal with the likes of TESTAMENT, HAVOK and WARBRINGER all flexing their muscles. It is now time for Aussie upstarts HARLOTT to throw their offering into the ring with their hotly anticipated follow up to 2017’s Extinction album entitled Detritus Of The Final Age which is due for release on November 13th via Metal Blade Records. Is now the time for the quartet to claim their rightful share of the spoils?
As We Breach commences with stomping hefty riffs that soon descend into thrash ridden chaos. Enticing grooves and powerful vocal blasts follow suit, instantly making the hairs on the back of your neck stand to attention. Expertly executed lead work and frenetic blast beats add an extra punch to get this release off to a flying start. Idol Minded keeps the breakneck tempo firing on all cylinders with scintillating shredding. The riffs contained within are packed with enough firepower to melt the skin clean off your bones and the addictive vocal rhythms fit the ongoing carnage like a glove. Bring On The War isn’t quite as speed injected as it’s predecessors but is still armed with the same level of bludgeoning force, leaving piles of scorched earth in its wake.
Detritus Of The Final Age returns to full gear, racing out of the gates from the first note. The chorus segment hits that sweet spot and will be a sure fire hit on the live circuit if chosen amongst their already impressive arsenal. Around the midway point a selection of riffs comes forth that feels like a shot of adrenaline straight to your veins. Prime Evil bombards you with insane technicality as drummer Glen Trayhern goes supernova, beating the hell out of his kit with zero mercy. Additional instances of mind-bending solo work blazes a hole in their collective fretboards. Nemesis introduces a tense, acoustic vibe into the mix which is quickly negated by a sturdy, dual guitar based assault. It may be one of the longest tracks the album has to offer but it flies by with a sea of triumphant thrash metal splendour that will have your fist pumping throughout.
Slaughter would give Usain Bolt a run for his money for how ridiculously rapid it is. The intensity has somehow been upped another notch as its swift shredding refuses to waiver for even a second and it departs almost as quickly as it arrived. Grief is almost the complete opposite as it hits the brakes to conjure up some plodding yet utterly jarring riffs. The dark, ominous vibes which flow throughout are intoxicating and perfectly compliment the despair swathed vocal work. Miserere Of Death takes a solemn turn with emotive tones and an eerie atmosphere that picks up momentum as it progresses. Alluring melodies and gritty vocals accompany their twisting and turning environment. The acoustic excerpt which seeps into the track around the midway point feels particularly haunting and neatly tees up the jump in gear that soon follows. Just when you thought this album couldn’t possibly find any further ways to impress you HARLOTT unleash a ripping cover of the infamous CANNIBAL CORPSE classic The Time To Kill Is Now to add the ideal exclamation point to one hell of a ride.
With each passing release, HARLOTT have continued to show why they are one of the most exciting thrash metal bands of the modern era. Detritus Of The Final Age witnesses the Australian’s take it to another level, unleashing a relentless arsenal of energetic, thrilling tracks that are destined to see them smash their way into those ever fabled end of year lists. In a year that has been riddled with doom and gloom, a riotous collection of blood pumping thrash is just what the doctor ordered.
Rating: 9/10
Detritus of the Final Age is set for release on November 13th via Metal Blade Records.
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