Thanatos have been raising hell since their formation in 1984 as the first Dutch extreme metal band. Early times' thrashing got death metal beside it soon, which was more than appropriate since Thanatos is "the dæmon personification of Death and Mortality itself" (ref. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanatos). Now, a quarter-century later since their formation, the band release their fifth full length album 'Justified Genocide', five years after the previous album 'Undead. Unholy. Divine.' (2004).
'Justified Genocide' was long time in the making, but it is not at all audible. The band launch into relentless, energy-filled, yet so skilful tornados of torment with 'They Feed on Fire'. The double bass drumming, tearing riffage and guffawing guitar turn into brutal thrashing with some Swedish-style riffing and throat lacerating vocals and fine slow breaks with memorable guitar soloing. The band show that they still know how to build up interesting old school metal. 'Destruction.Chaos.Creation.' is a slithering piece with some faster parts to keep up the pulse, plus a Testament style riffage after the three-minute mark. 'The Devil's Triangle' sounds like it was from the end of 1980s with its evil, warbling riffing. 'March of the Infidels' hits the speed surge, providing some real blasting attack, but being a rather narrow song. The title track begins slow, but keeps on accelerating into a fine thrasher, and there are some Vader stylings on it. 'The Netherworld' smells Swedish with its barbaric catchiness. 'Dawn of Eternity' is a fine cover of the Massacre classic from their legendary debut album 'From Beyond' (1991). 'Apostles of Damnation' is another slithering trip to hell. 'Upwards Spiritual Evolution' ends the trundle with thrashing the fuck up. Two bonus tracks follow, good re-recording of originally 1992 song '...And Jesus Wept' and truly vicious Dark Angel cover 'The Burning of Sodom' from the 2006 'The Burning of Sodom / ...And Jesus Wept' EP. The lyrics cover such topics as governmental monitoring, Nazis' occult and genocidal toilings, religious barbarity, mass murderers, and they even enter Agent Steel's territory of alien invaders.
The Dan Swanö production also nods toward the old school. I think this was recorded by the band themselves, but mixed by the preceptor Swanö. The guitars sound raw indeed with their ripping, massive tone. The drums sound powerful, with some great nuances, eg. cymbal trickery by Yuri Rinkel (aka Xul of Melechesh). The blast beats add a more "modern" (read: not 25 years old!) edge to them. The bass by Marco de Bruin (also lead guitar with lead guitar player Paul Baayens) provides the loud pulse. It still sounds kind of modern too, but definitely not plastic. Maybe the guitars are a bit overwhelmed by the rhythm section at times. The vocals by the leader and guitarist likewise Stephan Gebédi are like the mixture of Chuck Schuldiner (Death) and Dutch mates Martin Van Drunen of Asphyx (also ex-Pestilence and Hail Of Bullets among the others). The semblance of this album is good enough, although a tad mild and generic, so do not let it fool you.
While 'Justified Genocide' isn't my favourite album by them, Thanatos have kept faithful to the times of their formation. Surely, you should not expect anything novel, it is musicwise vintage all the way. Well, if you've followed the band in the past, you know that they do exactly what they want to do and do it with style. Old school deathrashing, but no old-timer, and thanks to pretty new label Deity Down Records. Keep it alive!
Rating: 8+ (out of 10) ratings explained
Reviewed by Lane
04/04/2009 22:56
