Band:	Havok
Album:	Unnatural Selection
Style:	Thrash metal
Release date:	June 25, 2013
A review by:	D.T. Metal

01. I Am The State
02. Give Me Liberty... Or Give Me Death
03. It Is True
04. Under The Gun
05. Waste Of Life
06. Living Nightmare
07. Chasing The Edge
08. Worse Than War
09. Children Of The Grave [Black Sabbath cover]
10. Unnatural Selection

The media usually dubs a third album release as the "make it, or break it" point in a bands career. Havok's third album Unnatural Selection won't do either of those. A quote, albeit modified, by the great Doc Godin in regards to their prior album (Time Is Up) might explain some of the difficulties I had while reviewing their latest piece.

"...I was really stoked on hating loving this. In fact, even as I sit and listen to it, something in my brain is telling me I should hate love this...but I have to admit, this is actually pretty solid average."

There, I said it - average, as in I expected more. Not saying the new album is bad, it actually grew on me, but maybe Havok set the bar too high with their 2011 release Time Is Up and that's why I expected more this time around; who knows. But one thing is for sure; they did evolve from their earlier sound, but if this is a good thing has yet to be determined.

Unnatural Selection does start off pretty strong while being very gratifying to the ear. Not so much to the neck muscles - be forewarned, head-banging guarantied. The guitar riffs and solos alike, while nothing groundbreaking, are what you would expect to hear on a thrash album. But then Unnatural Selection turns a bit - "unnatural".

While Sanchez, as well as Scruggs, do prove over and over again that they clearly are the masters of their axes, the songs structures and overall sense of listening to thrash does turn to a more modern version of the genre. Things pick back up with "Chasing The Edge"; short, sweet, awesome solo, and we are back on track. Well, almost. While the follower "Worse Than War" has a killer and very memorable lead riff, the song in itself could be faster.

After throwing in a Black Sabbath cover the album does ends on a strong note. The title track reminds us once again that Havok is actually a thrash band. But, since the bulk of the album is somewhat mid-tempo driven I wouldn't be surprised if some "thrash elitists" won't give Unnatural Selection a fair chance.

Don't get me wrong; the musicianship is superb. The shredding is, as expected, good old Havok style. Their newly acquired bassist Mike Leon (The Absence) is not only a virtuoso on his 4-string but his plugging is very heavy in the mix throughout the entire album; "Under The Gun" just one of many examples. Sometimes though it feels that Havok didn't use Pete Webber's abilities to their fullest since the drumming is not as demanding on some songs. But then again; a drum solo on "I Am The State"? Hmmm, that caught me of guard.

David Sanchez tried some different vocal styles on this release as well. While the majority of the album does feature his thrashier style of singing on "Waste Of Life" Dave Mustai ?. eh Sanchez throws in some clean as well as shouting spurts. Verdict is still out on this one.

In all, the album is not bad and it does grow on you. Yes, it is extreme modern sounding. Yes, I still believe their prior one was better. No, I don't believe Havok lost their edge. I look at Unnatural Selection as the "rambunctious teenager" in their discography; a time to explore and experiment.