A band that's trying to establish itself in the thrash metal genre, Warbringer brings out their new 2011 release entitled 'Worlds Torn Asunder'. Of course there's a heavy Metallica / Exodus / Testament influence to their music. As a 5-piece, these guys put together a less than innovative release. 'War without End', their 2008 debut, was probably their most notable attack on the thrash metal scene. I have yet to hear that follow up 'Waking into Nightmares' (2009).

About the music, a lot of it is heavy crunch tone distorted riffs mixed with a little clean tone and an instrumental. The leads could've been more creative by both guitarists, John Laux and Adam Carroll. Both of them need to brush up on their skills. But the riff-writing was sub-par. They could've done without an instrumental in the mix. It seemed to damper the intensity of the album.

There is a lack of innovation in the riffs. Best to stick with the 80's CA based thrash metal. Warbringer doesn't offer a good amount of creativity or energy that's worth listening to. There's a lot of people that share the same view. They really need to take out the leads and concentrate on more solid rhythm guitar. That would be the best move for this band. They really don't seem to cut it with these rhythms / leads.

John Kevill, their vocalist, takes a while to take a liking to. He contributes with all the lyrics about war, violence, and death, but doesn't offer a great deal of added screams to back up the music. He really doesn't offer much in this department. Not enough intensity and variety to his voice. That is another thing that's lacking from this band.

The mixing / production was decent, but the bass could've been a little bit louder. They could've also done without the clean tone guitars. I think that the vocals could've been a bit louder. The leads were decently mixed in with the rest of the music. The drums were a little bit flat sounding. Maybe with more releases the band can establish themselves as a more creative act.

This album was pretty generic and not at all very memorable. In fact, this band needs to focus on originality and better rhythm / lead guitar sections as I previously mentioned. Their vocalist has to have more intensity and variety to his throat. Good that their still young in age, so they have a chance to mature more with their music. Best to stick without picking up this album. It's a real disappointment.

Rating: 6 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Death8699
12/06/2011 21:45