EP REVIEW: The New Mythology Vol 1 – Revenger

Following the release of their debut record To The Wolves back in 2014, thrash metal group REVENGER have been back in the studio with The New Mythology Vol 1, a five track EP which picks up where their first album left off.

The first track from the EP is Hex, which almost immediately sets the tone for the rest of the album. There’s no slow introduction or any kind of build-up, you’re thrown head first into the world of REVENGER with crushing riffs which set a high tempo, and the vocals of Andrew Bailey add to the thrash metal vibe. It’s hard to compare his particular style to any other vocalist, which helps them stand out a bit more and is certainly one of the more unique features.

Hex follows straight into the next track, Anti Life, led this time by the vocals. Compared to the opening track, the vocals are much more aggressive throughout, and the overall sound seems to steer Anti Life more towards death metal than thrash, though the fast paced nature helps re-establish the thrash theme. There doesn’t really seem to be too much difference in the remaining tracks on this record either, with the overall sound set within the opening seconds of Hex. One track that stands out though is The Man Who Shot God, with the intro coming from the bass of JP Poulin, and there is actually a bit of a build up before the vocals kick in. There seems to be a lot of emphasis on the bass throughout this track, and it really echoes the death metal elements of REVENGER.

It seems a bit strange for a band to release an EP after their debut record – usually EPs are what gives people a taste of what the band are about and then a full length album comes. However, with this being entitled The New Mythology Vol 1, it certainly teases more to come from the band. Compared to the debut record though, it makes sense that REVENGER have released an EP as the band have changed almost entirely since To The Wolves, with bassist JP Poulin being the only member still in the group, so the EP will give people the opportunity to listen to the ‘new’ REVENGER

Overall impressions are that it this is a good record; the vocals are something that are more unique compared to other thrash and death metal bands, the sound works very well, with REVENGER seeming to have struck a balance between the two genres, and it is refreshing to hear. To sum it up, it’s hard, fast, loud and energetic – all you want to hear in thrash metal, and it will be intriguing to see what follows for REVENGER.

Rating: 7/10

The New Mythology Vol 1 is out now via self-release.

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