Progressive thrash metal from Bavaria, this. Let's make it clear right now, that it's nowhere near the progressiveness of Watchtower or Mekong Delta, for example. Yes, there is non-linear songwriting (read: non-rock music composing) in Sweeping Death's songs for sure. And surely it is technical too, but nothing like music college graduates' group wank offs. By the way, look at that cover artwork! Its surreality and old school logo really made me insert the disc ASAP!!!

'My Insanity' starts with some Mid-Eastern chord progressions, before hitting the thrash gear: It's like amalgamation of driving precision thrash à la Annihilator (bloody tightly played, that's fucking precision!!!) with shredding riffing and soloing, as well as Overkill with its streetwise, groovy tempos and snarly vocals remind me about. A neat cocktail, with full-on mood of late 180s and early 1990s.

While 'Pioneer of Time' continues with same time period, adding NWOBHM into formula, it also makes a jump to 2000s. Some groovy stuff, vocal melodies and backing vocals highly remind me of Trivium. Gasp?!?! No, I don't think so. They are in vein of 'The Crusade' album (2006), which I happen to like, unlike many people. The song is far more progressive than the opener with some surprising parts, such as piano stuff. But there's more variety to come with dramatic title tracks classical music influence. When thinking about older progressive/technical thrash bands, Coroner, Sanctuary and Anacrusis come out of the hat first. Later the band get somewhat more thrashy and there's some wild screams and instrumental acrobatics. Good thing about this is, that every song is a bit different to each other. Plus longer songs contain well enough of variety. Close works more like an outro, even though it it progresses from classical guitar/piano stuff to classical metal in its 3-minute span.

This 32-minute mini album can be called as an opus; it has loads of variety in it, but it stays well in the hands of the band, and doesn't jump over the hedgerow and shite on too many territories. This is basically a demo, and it sounds like that, but it is still punchy enough and clear. Sweeping Death formed in 2012. It is very, very interesting to hear what these guys come up with next time around. No sweat, guys! You're just ones that metal fans are, hopefully, watching at the moment.

Rating: 8- (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
04/07/2017 20:02