ALBUM REVIEW: Into Blackness – Bonded

Germany’s BONDED never stray too far from the path on their new release Into Blackness. Clocking in at 46 minutes, the record comes right at you from the start with a full-on thrash metal attack and doesn’t let up. Whilst this consistency results in a decent thrash record that doesn’t really lose its steam, it does become a bit straightforward and predictable as a result.

With this record’s thrash impact and the consistency of it from beginning to end being its greatest strength, Into Darkness is all about the guitars. Without the strength in guitar work across the board its constant forwards momentum could start to fade out very fast. The guitars here do a great job of summarising the best parts of this record and the band itself, landing in a sweet spot between old school thrash worship and some more contemporary tendencies. Whilst there’s bound to be moments which recall the likes of SLAYER of course, the production and writing never feels dated, with the likes of SYLOSIS also springing to mind at points.

In the same vein, the solos here are another big highlight that really help to separate some of the record’s more predictable thrash sections. Whilst the combination of eras and guitar work make this a very consistent record, is it worth pointing out that there isn’t anything too fresh going on here. It draws from old and new school thrash without ever bringing something new into that formula, and whilst that isn’t necessarily unexpected, it does contribute to the straightforward feeling of the record. 

The double-edged sword of consistent thrash done well without adding anything particularly new or exciting can also be seen in the vocals. Whilst the harsher vocal sections do a great job of fuelling that constantly growing fire and pulling you along with them for the ride, the more melodic sections don’t add a whole lot and feel forgettable. Ultimately, that is the coin flip that you play with this album. Into Blackness executes its ‘one trick done well approach’ fairly effectively with some stand out riffs and solos, but not to an extent where it wouldn’t benefit from a few additional elements. Overall, it’s a record that’s strong enough to hold your attention, but not inviting enough to keep you coming back for more.

Rating: 6/10

Into Blackness is set for release on November 12th via Century Media Records.

Like BONDED on Facebook.