Band:	Trials
Album:	In The Shadow Of Swords
Style:	Thrash metal
Release date:	May 01, 2013
A review by:	Susan

01. Conjoined
02. Believers In Black
03. Blueprints Of Metaphor
04. In The Misery Machine
05. With Only Sorrow Now
06. All The Promises
07. Upon This Day
08. Ancestor
09. Embracing Nothing
10. Jawbreaker [Judas Priest cover] [bonus]
11. Spirit Leaves [CD bonus]

In The Shadow Of Swords is some excellent thrash with strong groove. Now, I don't listen to a ton of thrash but it's albums like this that make me really think I should. This album is very well written, strongly performed, professionally produced, and of course, ass kicking. Wrapped into the grooving thrash base is plenty of melodic variety and some sweet hints of death metal on a few tracks. All of these elements are tightly bound, though, and create a very solid sound.

Rarely do you hear such passion poured into a record. Trials plays music that is strong and powerful, driving forward with everything they have, but whether you're looking to rage or looking for love, these songs run the gamut of vital emotions. Never staying in one place too long, each experience feeds into the next and leads you back around to driving, groove-laden metal.

In addition to the raw power, the bits of melody that are included will worm their way into your ear and draw you back over and over. The classic thrash roots lay a solid foundation but it's those melodies that protrude out like tentacles, stretching in various new directions and making this a release that really rises above anything remotely similar.

Vocally we have the classic, raw yelling supplemented by several variations of a rich sung baritone. Band founder and vocalist/guitarist Mark Sugar has an ample supply of vocal tools at his disposal with which to direct the mood of this record. (His vast abilities are a huge part of why this record is so special and unique.) The dual guitars also have their turn with the melodies; amidst the grooving, driving, and plowing, these guitars also have some excellent leads and a few surprise acoustic passages.

I could go on and on but to summarize, this is extraordinarily well played metal that should appeal to just about anyone with ears. It's one of those albums that seems straightforward, yet the intricacies have profoundly affected you before you ever realize they're there.

Now, go forth and listen, rock out, and buy: http://trials.bandcamp.com/album/in-the-shadow-of-swords