Band:	Znowhite
Album:	Act Of God
Style:	Speed metal, Thrash metal
Release date:	April 01, 1988
Guest review by:	Cynic Metalhead

01. To The Last Breath
02. Baptised By Fire
03. Pure Blood
04. War Machine
05. Thunderdome
06. Rest In Peace
07. Disease Bigotry
08. A Soldier's Creed
09. Something Wicked (This Way Comes)

I’ve pulled yet another thrash album from the obscurity of the 1980s, "The Golden Era of Thrash"; emerging from the depths of Chicago, Illinois, is none other than Znowhite's standalone jewel Act Of God. Initially making waves with a few EPs, the band delivered a straightforward blend of speed metal and street thrash, reminiscent of fellow Chicago outfit Zoetrope. Despite their 1984 release All Hail To Thee (EP) being somewhat discrete and lackluster, Znöwhite still managed to secure a deal with Roadracer Records, now better known as Roadrunner Records. This label was at its zenith in the '80s, boasting a roster that included heavyweights like Sepultura, Motörhead, King Diamond, and Razor.

Znowhite fused dark, gritty thrash with the heroic flair of traditional heavy metal. The soaring, Overkill-esque choruses in tracks like "War Machine" and "A Soldier's Creed" are unforgettable, lingering long after the music fades. Meaty thrashers like "Pure Blood" and "Rest in Peace" exemplify the band’s relentless intensity, with the latter standing out as the leanest and meanest track on the album. The true masterpiece, however, comes last: "Something Wicked (This Way Comes)" is a brooding, ten-minute epic that marches forward with a slow, menacing stomp, evoking a thrash rendition of Rainbow's "Stargazer" — and it’s every bit as powerful. Ian Tafoya was the spine and mastermind behind the force. His riffs were tumultuous, his solos explosive, his songs packed with hooks, twists and transitions. The drumming on this album sounds more like a reference beat for the guitarist than a proper drum track.

The density of the production is a mixed blessing; it is heavier and dirtier than most contemporary American thrash bands, but lacks the agility of a World Circus or an Eternal Nightmare; Nicole Lee's guttural screams lack variety as well. Unfortunately this album never achieved the level of notoriety it deserved, despite being on a label boasting no shortage of unquestionable classics.

Act Of God isn't quite a thrash classic, despite thrashing harder than almost any album out there. Yet it still perfectly encapsulates sublimity, razor sharp, punishing riff writing coupled with enraged shouting that so perfectly captures everything that made thrash metal great in its heyday. It's a great pick for thrash metal fans. If not, check out soon! It's not yet late.

Highlights: "Disease Bigotry", "Rest In Peace" and "Something Wicked (This Way Comes)".