ALBUM REVIEW: Pitchfork Justice – Shatter Brain

In recent years crossover thrash has made a triumphant return, bringing back the punk rock inspired intensity that the likes of CRO-MAGS and SUICIDAL TENDENCIES pioneered back in the 80’s. Joining the resurgence is Australian outfit SHATTER BRAIN who are poised to release their debut full length entitled Pitchfork Justice on May 1st via Wormhole Death. Will this effort help build on the genres legacy?

Talk In Fear lures you into its lair with tense tones before bombarding you with a wall of crunchy bass and guitar work. The zany vocal blasts quickly shift between piercing screams and vicious bellowing growls. The latter stages of the track introduce some ridiculously addictive grooves. Lorem Ipsum keeps the momentum going with high tempo shredding and snappy drumming. Tempting melodies seep into the mix alongside flamboyant lead work. Pitchfork Justice takes a savage turn with death metal infused riffs combined with abrasive vocals before kicking it into a higher gear. Boisterous bass lines cut through the unravelling chaos.

Choosing Beggars chooses a more restrained sludge style stride but continues to hit just as hard as its predecessors, pummelling you with hammer blows whilst sprinkled with subtle melodic lead pieces. Fencesitter delves back into the realms of frantic galloping guitar work and thunderous drum sections. Layered vocals engulf you in waves of venomous ferocity. Noble Savagery dabbles in the hardcore domain with powerful gang chants and stomping riff work. The vocal onslaught towards the final moments are befitting of the title as they sound borderline demonic.

Silent Screams commences with haunting tones and a tense vibe in the air. Chilling melodic vocals provide another string of experimentation. The track begins to increase the intensity as it progresses with devilish black metal elements taking hold. Life Ephemeral offers up a brief palate cleansing interlude which tees up one last hurrah of speed injected riffing in the shape of Death Goes On to leave this release on an adrenaline fuelled high.

The resurgence of crossover metal is most certainly a welcome one but to keep up with the talents of POWER TRIP and RED DEATH you’ve got to be on your A game. Pitchfork Justice shows an abundance of brilliance but it is fragmented by a bunch of randomly placed curve balls that put a spanner in the building momentum. Experimentation and diversity is always encouraged but only when it is necessary and compliments the arrangement. The instances found within this release feel spontaneous and a bit haphazard. SHATTER BRAIN display that they have plenty of tools in their arsenal but have slightly missed the mark this time round.

Rating: 7/10

Pitchfork Justice is set for release on May 1st via Wormhole Death.

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