Poland's thrashers Driller are one of those bands, who have nothing new to offer, but who do not sound exactly like any other band. But hey, if a band wants to stick to old school, then it's a fucking impossibility to introduce new inventions, for example playing djent by fly swatting your nutsacks in a damp studio. There's no need for it. But is there need for 'All Shall Burn'?

You probably known how good thrash metal and beer feel together, do you? This, Driller's debut full length album, is quite a party animal let me tell you. First, their name is rather erotic. I was known as "Driller" during my high school times. Well, in my dreams, that is... Add some typical, but so cool lyrical themes such as zombies, nuclear war and madness, among other thrash lyric themes similar to horror movies, or how about this one: Army of rattlesnakes hunting down people and killing them?

Music-wise, it harks to Poland's western neighbour country, Germany. Highly inspired by Sodom and to a lesser extent Tankard, it's energetic and thumping. And no, 'Pleasure to Kill' isn't a Kreator cover. I don't feel, that Driller have been inspired that much by North American thrash bands. Generally, guitars spitting sharp riffs that are abundant in amount, pummelling drumming that is also well varied, pounding and clanking bass, and strained, low and throaty vocals are Driller's weapons. At best, Driller's riffs are on the level of their idols, but the songs themselves cannot touch the legends' legendary material. Anyway, this stuff is mostly above average, with a couple of exceptions during the second half of the album.

Another, jollier side of Driller is their rock 'n' rolling. 'Rock'n'Rolla' heavily stinks of Motörhead; with a bass solo among other things! On the other hand, some of the most brutal riffage is plain death metal, and there's some blitzkrieg blast beating to be heard (e.g. 'Rattlesnakes Terror'). As this is thrash, punk influence is heavy at times, and as it happens on faster parts, it borderlines grindcore (just try 'Big(Pig)Big'). Guys put forward some melodies too, but only rarely. One fine example is 'Drill&Blast' which is practically saved by the its melody work.

There's some Finnish language heard on this Polish album, believe me or not. Punk band Bob Malmström features on 'Madness INC. (F20.0)', talking in Finnish. Other Finnish guests heard here are Finntroll's Vreth on 'Judgement Day', Jules Näveri of Profane Omen on 'Rattlesnakes Terror' and Bob Malmström's Kjell Simosas on 'Rush of the Dead'. Gene Kelly's 'Singing in the Rain' gets Drilled. Reminded me about Brutal Truth, actually. The production job is okay. I like the way how this sounds organic and not triggered or anything like that. The guitar tones should be more lethal. At times the riffing gets a bit lame, due to the tone.

'All Shall Burn' is mildly enjoyable, for sure. It shouldn't be taken as a stern statement about the fall of mankind. It's simple fun, and more beer with it equals more fun! Nothing ground-breaking here, but better than some albums put out by the legends. That's not saying much... Far from being essential, but thrashers might want to give it a try.

Rating: 6+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
09/18/2013 19:20