ALBUM REVIEW: In The Hands Of An Angry God – Throes

Just as the formula for metallic hardcore seemed to be tried, tested, and figured out; Boise Idaho sludgers THROES have thrown a well timed curve ball into the mix to throw things beautifully out of whack. In The Hands Of An Angry God is a debut record that despite packing a heavy punch, does so in a way slightly different to its peers.

Recently signed to Holy Roar Records – who continue to further cement themselves as one of the worlds best underground record labels, THROES‘ brand of teeth shattering heaviness differs from the likes of CONJURER or ITHACA, though it’s no less abrasive. Where metallic hardcore has been riddled with light speed pace and lunacy in recent times, In The Hands Of An Angry God is a more poised, lamented thrust of low tuned guitars and harrowing screams.

While Bad Meat flies out the traps like it’s just been shot out of a cannon, there’s method in its madness. Its hop scotch tempo never quite manages to settle on a musical theme, yet it’s potency never suffers as a result. From here THROES‘ more sluggish tone comes out to haunt – the low, slow, and caustic riffs of Derelict and Ruin drop the pace but up the intensity, and the agonising opening screams of Fang are legitimately unsettling; this is a whole new brand of heavy.

It’s a nine track record that feels reminiscent of a psychotic breakdown from start to finish. Similar to SLIPKNOT‘s seminal self-titled album, In The Hands Of An Angry God is a musical serial killer in a theme park. It’s this mental fragility that makes tracks like From Their Nails such a distressing listen – everything sounds like it’s one inconvenience away from bloodshed, and it’s wonderful in the most violent sense.

Perhaps what’s most exhilarating about THROES is that their mantra manages to be unique in a sea of chaos. There’s no abundance of blast beats here, there’s very few outright mosh calls, and the guitar tempo rarely reaches 4th gear. And yet, this is one of the heaviest records you’ll hear this year – bar none. The quintet substitute speed for ferocity, and In The Hands Of An Angry God is an album that pays this method back in dividends.

At a time where metallic hardcore seems to be on an unstoppable role, these five Idaho maniacs have reached out of the fray and offered something completely different for the genre. In The Hands Of An Angry God is a visceral scourge across extreme music, an alarming kick to the throat from start to finish – and quite simply one of the most harrowing listens you’ll have had for a long time. The list of young bands that can take metal forward continues to lengthen – but THROES are in their own, terrifying category.

Rating: 8/10

In The Hands Of An Angry God is set for release on July 26th via Holy Roar Records.

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