Polish band Extinkt's logo screams out "thrash metal!!!" as do this EP's song titles ('Nuclear Shockwave', 'Through the Wastelands'). And it is basically the correct assumption. However, I am ready to categorize this under thrash/groove metal, because it has quite a bit of rock in it. This trio consists of Terrordome members (both active and former), with which they play(ed) "brutal crossover thrash". So it is no wonder they are doing something a bit different here.

'Ruins of Tomorrow', leads listener towards desert rock infused heavy metal. It's a groovy yet tight headbanger especially when it picks pace after its long-ish instrumental intro (60% of the song; reminds me of fucking Primus with its heavy bass presence and melody work not far from 'Southbound Pachyderm'!). 'Nuclear Shockwave' continues in this style, but 'Nineteen Eighty Six' features more thrash in it, being very fast at times. The transition towards thrash is completed with the title track. While the earlier heavy metal based songs are pretty good, it's the thrash that these guys thrive with (Carnivore, Evildead, Nuclear Assault, but not quite as primal). It's all memorable, mutating and energetic. 'Through the Wastelands' is a dreamy, partly acoustic non-metal instrumental, like flying through a calm desert at night time. The vocals are cool clean-to-raspy stuff, and at times remind me of Jeff Walker of Blackstar (yes, he of also Carcass); but definitely not as tired as Jeff Walker Und Die Flüffers era country slob.

As the production is snappy and sonorous, this is a nice little 15-minute EP. Over one third of it is instrumental, mind you, and very varying at it, too. This is too short to be honest; but hey, their albums are 25-30 minute long! So, should people expect new Extinkt album to be more stoner instead of thrash metal, then?! The time will tell... If we don't get nuclear-ed before!

Rating: 7 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
04/12/2026 18:40