Thrash metal quartet Chemicide mix speed with groove on its fifth release, Violence Prevails. The band wastes no time getting to business with “Do As I Say, Not As I Do.” The track’s plodding build up instantly transitions to a thrashing mania at the 90 second mark, with the guitar riffs reminiscent of Sepultura circa 1989-1991. The bluesy yet shredding guitar lead has an Andrea Kisser influence on it. “Red Giant” opens with colossal riffing and a mid-tempo groove, interspersed with brief punkish outbursts. The slow-fast composition of the track will keep on on their toes. The band slows things down on “Systemic Decay” with its galloping riff and pounding percussion. Frankie, the vocalist, sings of a society gone awry, and the track’s treading pace creates a mood of endless despair. “Parasite” is where Chemicide hone in on the hardcore groove. The track starts with jackhammer riffing with a wailing lead guitar that seamlessly transitions to a slow hardcore stomp. The droning bluesy chorus riff heightens the track’s mood and it serves as a counterpoint to faster tracks on Violence. Speaking of faster songs, the title track is a fun, raging romp, with its double bass drums and punk riffing. This track will kick a circle pit from the jump. The final two tracks, “Supremacy” and a cover of Los Crudos “That’s Right, We’re That S*** Band” show the band’s versatility. The aforementioned track commences with haunting clean guitars and lush bass line before erupting into a fast paced banger. The latter track is a brief burst of hardcore punk with anti-racist lyrics. CD purchasers get a double bonus as the band cover’s “72 Seasons” by Metallica and “Hear Nothing, Say Nothing” by seminal hardcore band Discharge.
Violence Prevails avoids being another generic thrash album due to its versatility. Chemicide slow things to a heavy groove throughout the album, which gives the faster tracks an added flair. The record’s 33 minute runtime (38 minutes including the two cover tracks) also means there is little filler. The one rough point is the drum mix as its sounds too bloated. However, this is a minor setback in the long run.
Chemicide fans will enjoy Violence Prevails as will fans of thrash metal. It does not reinvent the wheel and at times plays it safe. However, it does its job by providing fast riffs, brutal drumming and neck snapping tempos. When you consider that, Chemicide prevailed.
Check out the band’s page for merchandise, news and tour date: https://www.facebook.com/chemicide/#