EP REVIEW: Warband – Archangel A.D.

Hailing from Texas, USA, ARCHANGEL A.D. are a thrash metal quartet intent on delivering something fresh to the metal world. Warband will be released on January 11th via Horsemen Records and is the first official release from the band, who have been pillaging defenceless venues in America since 2016.

Unto The Evil kicks off Warband with some rhythmically pleasing yet generically thrashy riffage. Justin Lopez‘s vocals fit naturally with this form of thrash and like a bloodthirsty warlord they lead the band towards conquest. Its a fitting soundtrack to a gory undead raid and prepares us for the coming onslaught of Blightning. This is exactly what ARCHANGEL A.D. do best – an unadulterated, no holds barred thrash track with the ideal amount of shrieking guitars, thunderous drums and pestilent vocals to transform even the most reserved metalhead into a violence-hungry berserker dripping with blood. Like the thumping of a hundred shields colliding with the war-driven marching of dozens of furious fighters – Warband‘s title track brings a nice groove to a so far impressive offering of thrash.

The problem with a lot of up and coming thrash bands is that they are at risk of sounding somewhat generic as the genre is over-saturated with “same old” tunes. But ARCHANGEL A.D. rise above this and stand victorious above a horde of competition. Enter The Temple takes a brief break from vocal driven verses as an instrumental tune showcasing the completely savage and ravenous style of playing these four metal warriors have become accustomed to. Like the dust covered clouds that haunt a once murder scorched battlefield, Evil Dream takes a new direction that combines some uniquely ominous song-crafting with admirable singing and penetrating screams. Finally the conclusion of this crimson soaked saga brings us to Metal Horde – the closing track perfectly showcases all of the strongest elements ARCHANGEL A.D. displayed across Warband, and presents us with one final soul-melting guitar solo; powerful enough to leave your ears feeling violated and pillaged because of the sheer ferocity of this talent-laden clan of marauders.

ARCHANGEL A.D. have accomplished their mission to bring something fresh to the thrash world – and this will not be the last we will hear from these Texans. Warband is everything not only a thrash fan but also any metal enthusiast will enjoy and grow to adore. Musically, the EP combines characteristics intrinsic to thrash with fresh concepts perhaps drawing from the musicians other influences and is generally a well produced, well written debut EP. Bridging the gap between old-school and new-wave, ARCHANGEL A.D. ensure the general populous remember that they are indeed a force to be reckoned with.

Rating: 8/10

Warband is due for release January 11th via Horsemen Records.

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