Caligari Records - 2022
9/10
The French thrashers Scumslaught have come forward following their first demo with an EP titled Knives & Amphetamines. Fitting in with the crossover style, they take some of the hardcore elements and add an extra abrasive coat for an even hotter feel. They ride primarily on fast songs about pain, hate, and anger, capturing the attitude of punk contained within a thrash metal outfit. Paint a clear coat of clarity that still causes the sharp burs to tear the skin over the surface, and you’ve got your disc.
Noisy guitar wales with screeching effects and brash vocal delivery gives this the chaotic energy that lets it stand out. But the metal foundation is never lost thanks to how shockingly smooth the riffing itself is, building steady strides on the bottom to hold the loose and wild toppings. Blasting drums that don’t puncture the balanced mix are a strong feature, pummeling hard in the likes of “Baptized In Piss” or the harsh “Born In A Sewer.” Solos even manage to break through, seen in “Degenerate Fiends,” and “Dirty Whore 666” unveils a slight blackened edge.
For such a short effort, Scumslaught has made a serious mark in my mind. Knives & Amphetamines channels the raw and unforgiving imagery that early Toxic Holocaust had forged, loaded with youthful rage and violent subject matter. If your idea of a fun time is twenty-two minutes of noisy punk/thrash of the shocking subject matter, look no further.
No comments:
Post a Comment