Prank. This German band belongs close to the top of "the crappiest band names" list. But you're welcomed to roll over me with a bulldozer if Prank's old-smelling thrash metal doesn't kick your arse even a single, small bit. The band's sophomore release, 'War Has Changed' demo, is all about METAL!
Prank's thrash metal is pretty versatile. There are influences from German branch of thrash, of course, but also from the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. 'Postal a.k.a. Nano Mechanix' starts with ripping guitars, but out of the blue, presents melodic, almost calm, parts. However, it stays on the heavier half for 99 percent of its duration, so a lot of double kick drumming, twin guitar harmonies, bawled vocals and harrowing riffage is heard, plus of course one minute's worth of insane, traditional guitar solos. With 'M.A.D. (Masturbation and Depression)', the band rams out more of their impetuous thrash. This second songs isn't without a surprise either, which comes in form of the Iron Maiden style part towards the end (twin guitar work: check, fingered bass: check). 'The Joker (Why so Serious?)' (yeah, by now it's pretty damn clear, that the band's not too successful in naming their songs either) begins in Bay Area manner. Its chorus includes phrase "king nothing", but this is 1980's style Metallica more than any 'Load' (1996) rock... 'Seriously Leprosy' carries clear Anthrax influences, especially in its vocal lines and melodies, and why not also in some of the riffs. 'Heretic' ends the demo nicely, being another catchy song loaded with riffs and freaky guitar solos.
Ripping and catchy riffs, insane finger-shortening guitar solos, rabid drumming, nastily bellowed spitty vocals and genuine desire to dash some true metal, represented with a suitably gritty production, as it should be, Prank have came down with a small gem for thrash metal fanatics. Surely, this ain't anything new, but when it works, it works. 'War Has Changed' comes in a digipak, on a factory pressed CD, and is limited to only 300 pieces. So if you're going to acquire a copy of it, act quickly.
Reviewed by Lane
07/24/2011 16:16
