Swedish thrash quintet Xion shoot for the heavens on its sophomore effort, When Stars Collide. These young headbangers play tight and precise, like a calculated attack. Album opener “Hands Will Be Cut” is a relentless assault with syncopated riffs that effortlessly keep up with the drumming. Vocalist Robin Bjork has a limited range, particularly when he wails. He primarily plays to his strengths which is a mid-range belt during the verses. Guitarists Erik Zetterstrom and Liam Radman steal the show, as they trade-off maniacal leads with virtuosity that draw from Metallica, Slayer and Annihilator.
“Burned Onto You” is a mid-paced stomp that sounds like a cross between Exodus and Iron Maiden. The guitar leads are slightly bluesy while the riffs prod along with attitude. It is an intense respite from the thrash onslaught. Things pick back up on “Phantom Of Blood” with its unorthodox, Megadeth inspired riffing and punkish speed. The midsection features a plodding bass line and shredding leads that would make Dave Mustaine tip his hat. The tempo speeds up to conclude the track in suitable fashion. “Total Euphoria” is two minutes of thrash, no more and no less. The sick solo trade-offs between Erik and Liam is just diabolical as the tandem pull out all the stops.
“Granted Wings (Learn To Fly)” is a mournful ballad, with its clean guitars and gripping strings. The main riff tugs at the heart and the brief, emotional lead, accentuates the feeling of despair. “Dead By The Night” is a mid-tempo number with a progressive bend that dips into King Diamond territory with its gothic guitar work. The penultimate track, “Mirror Shield” is an upbeat track reminiscent of the California band Haunt, due the guitar leads and vintage meets modern feel. Closing track “Zero Light” ends this record in grand thrashing fashion. The steel slicing riffs and pulverizing drumming will immediately start a mosh pit. And of course, the guitar leads are icing on the cake.
When Stars Collide shows a band confident in its musicianship and songwriting. These young men have studied their influences and put them in a blender. Thus, one can hear the Bay Area thrash sound with a tinge of NWOBHM, and it does not come off as a cheap derivative. Xion have drawn from numerous bands: Metallica, Slayer, Exodus, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Megadeth, King Diamond, come to mind. Thus the band sounds fresh, providing a modern take on the hallowed sub-genre.
The musicianship is just stellar. Erik and Liam play well off each other, making for intense, but fun, riffs and leads that compete with any guitar duo in the contemporary metal scene. Robin’s vocals are a slight sore spot on the album. He attempts to sing as opposed to barking or grunting the lyrics. There are times when he sounds like Joey Belladonna or John Bush, when he sings at mid-range. However, he is unable to hit the high notes. Still, this is a minor issue as the energy compensate for the shortcoming. The album’s 38 minute length is ample for a thrash album, as the eight tracks flow well. The album loses a tiny bit of steam towards the end, but “Zero Light” puts the engine at optimal power. The production is excellent, as the guitars and drums have a clear, full sound.
Xion avoided the sophomore slump by miles, as When Stars Collide is one of the best thrash albums of 2026. This album is for folks that love speed, technical guitar work and grooving midsections. The stars collided just right and created a high octane thrash record.
Check out the band’s official website here: https://xiontheband.se/
