Hell's Headbangers - 2024
8/10
Some thrash metal albums of the early days had that "this has never been properly reproduced" element, which is usually a good thing, as the energy can only be derived, not matched. There are more than enough Kreator clones out there, but I don't think I've come across a single band that has nailed the sound of their first two records in modern light the way Desolus does. Understandably, it does beg the question of "why would I listen to something so similar when I could just listen to the thing itself?" Fair, but I think it's fun when a new generation can match something so nicely while feeling refreshing within the scene.
System Shock is the first full-length, despite the band being active for around five years. At its core, this is German-inspired thrash with the dial turned up to the max. However you'll find tactics that wouldn't be common in the style until later every now and then, such as more punk-oriented riff breaks. To pair with this is also a mild hint of slightly easier-to-digest patterns, all garnished with the classic metal shrieks that aren't afraid to step away from the harsh rasp. I wouldn't go so far as calling any of it melodic, however, just a little less chaotic.
Those tiny treats are what help break up an otherwise one-sided attack. It also helps that the band are good at smoothly swapping between different beats and atmospheres, feeling jarring yet fitting in the likes of "Curse Of The Technomancer." Overall, the tones really bake in the feeling of terror that tends to come with apocalyptic themes involving destruction and monstrous beings. Even tremolos make their way into the likes of "The Arrival (Of Evil)" with the rare presence of some of the bass.
It's likely also true that System Shock only works because of its fairly brief run-time. At the end of the day, Desolus haven't done anything new here. What they have done, however, is nailed down a very specific influence nicely, and managed to make it feel like more than a simple clone. Thus, fans of this specific style will probably love this, otherwise it may just seem like "another one." I happen to be grouped with the former.
