UMUR
"Dictated Aggression" is the fifth full-length studio album by US crossover thrash metal act M.O.D.. The album was released through Music for Nations in June 1996. It´s the successor to "Devolution" from 1994 and not surprisingly there have been a couple of lineup changes (M.O.D. always had troubles with members leaving). Lead vocalist/guitarist Billy Milano (who also handles bass here) and drummer Dave Chavarri remain from the lineup who recorded the predecessor, while guitarist Joe Young completes the new trio lineup.
Stylistically "Dictated Aggression" pretty much continues the hardcore/crossover thrash metal style of "Devolution (1994)" and there aren´t many surprises on this album if you´re familiar with the predecesser. It´s still relatively simple, heavy, and aggressive hardcore with a groove laden thrashy edge. Milano has a strong voice and a raw, shouting, and commanding delivery, the riffs are simple and catchy, and the drumming is powerful. Not all tracks are equally interesting or memorable beyond their playing time, but the quality of the material is overall decent. "Silence Your Sin" is an album highlight to my ears, as M.O.D. strike a perfect balance between the hardcore- and the groove laden thrash metal influences.
"Dictated Aggression" features a relatively well sounding production job, and upon conclusion it´s a decent quality release by M.O.D.. They´ve become heavier and less silly with every album, but there are still a couple of humor moments on the album, which make it a slightly more diverse listen than what it may initially appear to be. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.