Wreck-Defy – Powers That Be
Band: Wreck-Defy
Title: Powers That Be
Label: Independent
Release date: 09 October 2020
Country: Canada
Format reviewed: High-quality Digital Recording
I don’t know how many times I’ve said this, but thrash is always a nice change. It feels as if most bands are focusing all their energy on creating pure black metal and thrash seems to be disappearing into the void. And then along comes the Canadian Wreck-Defy with their new full-length album, and I mean full-length because its considerably longer than most albums I’ve listened to this year, “Powers That Be”. Now, having been released in the beginning of October there is no reason not to check it out since…well, aren’t we supposed to stay at home?
“Beyond H8” is first in line to establish this kingdom of thrash and instantly made me think of Testament before turning to real speed, as it should be. Extremely tradition riffing during the verse with lyrics including a lot of fucker and other such nice words. Even stronger inspiration of Testament is still lingering as the title track “Powers That Be” continues the legacy. The main riff glues the many different pieces together and I must admit, I am a fan of the harmonized vocals.
The sound of a glass falling and breaking made me jump as it sounded like it was coming from my own kitchen, but being followed by tasteful drumming I could breathe easy, as I do care for my kitchen wares. Needless to say, “Drowning in Darkness” is a bit different from the previous tracks, although quite straight forward and easy to follow while becoming more thrashy after the mid-mark. “Space Urchin” on the other hand I would say is the most solid track on this album, bringing forth more melodic guitar solos and a simple chorus, making it meaty.
A wide arrange of different riffs take turn in “Goodbye to Misery”, as in fact does in most of the previous tracks, without ever becoming too much although sometimes it sounds as if they don’t belong in the same song, it can become a lot to take in at one time, but they, isn’t that the trash way? By “I am the Wolf” you have sort of heard it all, which can sound like a bad thing, but considering that it was the second to last song and its only now that I am thinking this, I’d say they did a good job.
Overall it was played without a hiccup by every single member and it truly was a ride on a train straight to thrashville with no stops whatsoever on the way. The main weapon they equip themselves with is the guitar with no stops for breathers, and I believe this album is a good piece of work for those who follow traditional trash metal. It’s not a milestone in trash overall, but it upholds the tradition of what thrash is and was in a good way. 7/10 by Julia Katrin
7/10: Victory is Possible!
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