Adelaide thrashers Hidden Intent are fast becoming one of the top thrash metal acts in Australia, gaining a reputation for their intense live shows as well as their fun demeanour that is seemingly captured very well on their studio recordings. Their new full length album “Fear, Prey, Demise” is a continuation of what’s becoming a trademark sound for the Aussie metallers who seem hell bent on breaking the market with their brand of thrash.
Thrash metal is always a interesting one to tackle when it comes to reviews of new music, mostly for the fact that no matter how extended the years go on since it’s critical inception back in the early 80’s it seemingly doesn’t tire from it’s core elements. Like classic rock, like a good old pair of shoes or like a new AC/DC album, thrash keeps going on and on with even the heroes of the past enjoying a second or third round of success on the back of a new generation of youngsters keen to sink their teeth on a style that was around long before they were even a thought on their parents mind. New thrash in the last 10 years or so has rejuvenated new interest as well and a whole crop of thrash bands ready to reclaim glory’s past has injected a fresh take on an otherwise raggedy old formula.
With Hidden Intent, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing the band play live once or twice before and familiarity with their style of thrash is a part of the appreciation for their music. Going into the new album “Fear, Prey, Demise“, there are pockets of old with flashes of new but overall it’s Hidden Intent as they are best known for. The title track is an old school headbanger with furious riffing and an uptempo beat that remains fairly consistent through out. The break down towards the head is real foot stomping stuff and leads the charge for the rest of the album.
Surprisingly there is a lot of melodic groove oriented stuff on this album, it’s not all neck breaking speed which in a lot of ways is a refreshing sight to see. The single “Addicted To Thrash” is grand in it’s sweeping take on double kicks and guitar licks with a bit of bass solo action thrown in too while “Seeds Of Hate” goes darker in tone and eases off the accelerator a bit as does the gothic sounding “Waiting Here In Hell” with has a classic overtone to it. The hilariously titled “Drop Bears Are Real” is bay area thrash with a real punk attitude to it, “Petrified” is sludge groove at it’s best and the closer “Imminent Psychosis” is gutsy but fun to listen to.
Two particular highlights on this album however come to mind that best represent this album, one being the epic “Apocalypse Now” with it’s galloping riffs and real bassy rhythm driving through is a real juggernaut of a track. There’s a real classic feel about this song too with some truly brilliant passages leading into various sections of the song. The other favorite track, “Step Into The Light“, is a rollicking, catchy, groove oriented number that is bound to have you hitting the repeat button a few times. It’s moments like this that put an otherwise standard thrash album into a different level altogether and one of the reasons “Fear, Prey, Demise” is a solid album. If you are going to check out some new thrash metal this year, start with this one as it’s bound to give you some enjoyable listening sessions for some time.
TRACKLIST
Prey For Your Death
Addicted To Thrash
Seeds Of Hate
Drop Bears Are Real
Waiting Here In hell
Apocalypse Now
Eternal Rest
Petrified
Step Into The Light
Imminent Psychosis
