J-Man
Northern Ireland's Gama Bomb are often cited as one of the best contemporary bands playing classic crossover thrash, and although it wasn't until 2013's The Terror Tapes that I finally gave the band a listen, this album makes it clear to me why they are so highly regarded by fans of the genre. With their fourth full-length album, Gama Bomb delicately (or not-so-delicately) balances a humorous lyrical approach with killer thrash riffs and irresistible punk energy, resulting in a listen that is nothing but fun from start to finish.
The Terror Tapes doesn't contain anything too revolutionary, but when we're talking about songs with guitar solos as blistering as those heard on “We Started the Fire”, riffs as quirky as the carnival-styled “Terrorscope”, and vocals as powerful as Philly Byrne's performance on “Backwards Bible”, it's clear that this is still a fine example of kick-ass crossover thrash. Established fans of Gama Bomb, as well as followers of bands like Municipal Waste, Birth AD, and Havok, should have no trouble loving these tapes!
