Xentrix are one of the most remembered of the English thrash bands. The debut album 'Shattered Existence' from these Preston-based youngsters was released back in 1989 by then metal-to-the-bone Roadrunner Records. The debut album lifted Xentrix to many English metalheads' treasured band.

Often accused for being Metallica copycats, Xentrix definitely had more in their sleeves. One of the aces they had was the song writing: It's punchy and it's memorable. And no, it's not like Metallica's! Maybe more in Testament's way, but again, not in a clone way. 'No Compromise' is one of the album's more aggressive thrashers, and it's a perfect opener that drags the listener into his/hers private moshpit. 'Balance of Power' introduced more melodic leanings of the band in their early times.

Generally, this is how the album continues; fucking thrashing with some melodic guitar leads thrown at a listener every now and then. The rhythmic structures are interesting and add so much more to the straight driving tempos, which are also heard a lot. Pace-vice, this is fast at best, but not going into ultra-speeding at any point. The songs are good, energetic pieces, with an exception or two (one of them is definitely titled 'Back in the Real World'), and riffs do work at times like hell, but at others it sounds like the band didn't have enough ideas for a 43-minute platter. If something was done in vein of Metallica, it's the heavy-ish riffing.

Vocals-wise, this isn't very varying, but still above average in its variety when compared to the thrash metal vocals in general. The vocals could be named as "son of Lemmy" in my opinion; semi-melodic throaty delivery, sometimes not far in James Hetfield's style. The lyrics deal with some religious topics, such as TV evangelists and a religion as a weapon, plus human life (religion not human? Yes it is. But it's no life, if you ask me). Sound-wise this is very good with clear yet punchy production by John Cuniberti (Forbidden, Possessed, Vio-lence among others).

The cover art is incredibly naff, but don't let it stop you from getting this one. Almost a classic, but due to a couple of weaker songs, not quite. Still, this has its part in the thrash metal history, and every thrasher should own, or at least say that they've heard this. Xentrix certainly do sound US, but they have that English workman-like attitude.

Rating: 8½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
12/25/2006 14:51