''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.''

My thoughts exactly after a few spin. I highly prefer Time is Up to this one. It's worth a few spin but nothing very much interesting here.

This album feels very tame, not a huge fan. Time is Up had a lot of raw energy that seems to have died here.

Written by Sunioj on 06.07.2013 at 10:17

This album feels very tame, not a huge fan. Time is Up had a lot of raw energy that seems to have died here.

According to their frontman (in our Staff interview with him) they didn't lose the energy, they just made a conscious effort to slow things down a little bit on this album so that their live shows would be more varied than just high speed thrash the whole time.

Written by psykometal on 06.07.2013 at 21:22

According to their frontman (in our Staff interview with him) they didn't lose the energy, they just made a conscious effort to slow things down a little bit on this album so that their live shows would be more varied than just high speed thrash the whole time.

Yeah, I remember reading that. They can do whatever they want but the only reason I listen to thrash (the little I do) is to have my teeth kicked in and this isn't anything spectacular for me. Some songs are alright and faster, but its not the type of listen that begs me to come back. I can see the appeal though

Written by Sunioj on 06.07.2013 at 22:06

Yeah, I remember reading that. They can do whatever they want but the only reason I listen to thrash (the little I do) is to have my teeth kicked in and this isn't anything spectacular for me. Some songs are alright and faster, but its not the type of listen that begs me to come back. I can see the appeal though

Oh fasho. I was just indicating the reason. I feel the same way, I also listen to very little thrash, and it's usually always these retro thrash bands cuz they're usually packed full of that raw energy and groove that was so prevelant in the 80s.

If you're looking for some other good high-energy retro thrash then also check out the latest from Crisix, Lost Society and Gama Bomb.

Written by psykometal on 06.07.2013 at 23:29

If you're looking for some other good high-energy retro thrash then also check out the latest from Crisix, Lost Society and Gama Bomb.

Thanks, I will give that a shot. Check out Power Trip, its crossover but pretty brutal.

Written by Sunioj on 07.07.2013 at 10:36

Thanks, I will give that a shot. Check out Power Trip, its crossover but pretty brutal.

Yea, I have Power Trip. Good thrash from my home state of Texas! They're one of the only crossover bands I actually like thanks to the production and heavier focus on the thrash than the punk.

Written by psykometal on 07.07.2013 at 10:47

Yea, I have Power Trip. Good thrash from my home state of Texas! They're one of the only crossover bands I actually like thanks to the production and heavier focus on the thrash than the punk.

Ah, that's right. I think they're out of Fort Worth. Great stuff, the production is really good.

Written by Sunioj on 07.07.2013 at 14:09

Ah, that's right. I think they're out of Fort Worth. Great stuff, the production is really good.

Yup, they're from the DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) area. I live about 4 hours south in Houston. #TexasPride

I listen to Thrash Metal since the mid 80's. To be honest it puts a smile on my face seeing bands like Havok carying on the flame started back then and taking on the legacy.

This isn't a simple job b/c we (the Old School guys) are hard to satisfy but, I think Havok is doing their stuff really good.

We should appreciate what these guys are doing b/c they brought Thrash Metal back to the table. W/o them we all still sit in our rooms listen to the good ol' stuff ... whining b/c our heros failed miserable with their newer stuff.

Unnatural Selection is a good one, not awesome but good. It's a bit slower but I'm fine w/ that. The guys are tight, all of 'em know how to play and they throw some cool riffs and good songs. Thanx for that \m/

Written by Mage257 on 13.07.2013 at 15:35

I listen to Thrash Metal since the mid 80's. To be honest it puts a smile on my face seeing bands like Havok carying on the flame started back then and taking on the legacy.

This isn't a simple job b/c we (the Old School guys) are hard to satisfy but, I think Havok is doing their stuff really good.

I agree that the bar was way too fucking high... but this album is solid, and personally I love it.

But to me this year's Thrash metal release goes to Crisix - Rise...Then Rest.

Written by Guib on 30.09.2013 at 03:45

But to me this year's Thrash metal release goes to Crisix - Rise...Then Rest.

I'd probably have to agree. That album is fun as hell!

I call this kind of music assembly line production - everything is done as if templates were used. Not a single thing is adventurous, risky, innovative. Nothing bears a mark of uniqueness or originality.

When I want old thrash, I'll listen to old thrash bands and their albums. I feel no need to listen to copycats.

Written by Daniell on 30.09.2013 at 10:43

I call this kind of music assembly line production - everything is done as if templates were used. Not a single thing is adventurous, risky, innovative. Nothing bears a mark of uniqueness or originality.

colour-by-numbers thrash it indeed is. Remember how you used to do that when little? Such as this one? Gingerbread Man

I think they tried a few new tricks, "It Is True" sounds very Voivod-y for example. For the most part though it doesn't live up to their previous album.

Written by Daniell on 30.09.2013 at 10:43

I call this kind of music assembly line production - everything is done as if templates were used. Not a single thing is adventurous, risky, innovative. Nothing bears a mark of uniqueness or originality.

When I want old thrash, I'll listen to old thrash bands and their albums. I feel no need to listen to copycats.

Written by psykometal on 30.09.2013 at 16:23

oh yeah I forgot about metal by numbers by Brian, as take on colour by numbers.