The first remark I'll make is that I get the idea behind the burning
flag on the album cover... a lot of people won't or will make a big
production out of it for lack of anything better to do with their
pessimism, but I think between the title and image, it's fairly obvious.
We live in a "damned" nation and it's time we stand up and really make
it something to be proud of.
Hades again uses political upheaval as
their motivation -- the title track is clear evidence with a thumping beat
and hell-bent lyrics that exonerate the mockery of justice or more so
the gratuitous nature of such. The Tecchio/Lorenzo team is back again
and hard as it is to imagine they originally hit the scene in the
mid-80s, they've done well in promoting their latest comeback, which
began three albums ago with the underrated "Savior Self." Thus far I'd
put this record right up there with the new Annihilator record in terms
of pure power riffing and clear focus, there's nothing too excessive to
wander about aimlessly in as the tunes are simple, direct and epitomize
what exactly a fistful of metal might feel like once it makes contact
with your unsuspecting face.
"Absorbed" is another standout quality
track with its slightly doomish pattern, dark riffs and haunting vocal
reverb beckoning a "unified civilization." And this coming from a band
from New Jersey!
An extra side note worth pointing out is that for the
third time running no lawyers, managers or cover songs were used in the
making of this record-noble enough but even more significant, no
ballads! "Stressfest" is another lethal bombardment in a stomp yer
boots through the mud kinda way and leave tracks over the carpet just
for spite -- damn, I think this was the song I was thinking of during the
last hour at the office today... and I hadn't even heard the damned thing
yet! If they were so inclined or the Hard radio welcoming committee
should open their door, this one would make for a crushing first
single -- it slams, stammers, screams and if it doesn't relieve your stress
by the time its over, it'll sure as Hell give you enough reason for
more.
Thrash-Metal traditionalists will sink their molars quickly into
"Biocaust," an environmentally friendly outburst that's the featured
fret burner here. Hades made the most of their rebirth a few years back
and with the release of "Damnation," which features the input of a new
and improved rhythm section, builds strongly on the footing of the past
while an increase in intensity is immediately felt.
