UMUR
"Resurrection of the Wicked" is the second full-length studio album by Finnish thrash metal act National Napalm Syndicate. The album was released through Poison Arrow Records in March 2006. It´s the successor to the band´s eponymously titled debut album from September 1989, which was the last release before their initial split-up in 1991. National Napalm Syndicate however reunited in 2002 and released a couple of demos in the following years before being signed for the release of "Resurrection of the Wicked". While National Napalm Syndicate may not be known internationally (or at least probably only by a few select), they are often mentioned among the seminal harder edged thrash metal acts from the 1980s Finnish scene (along with artists like Faff-Bey and A.R.G.).
Stylistically the material on "Resurrection of the Wicked" aren´t as hard edged and aggressive as the material on the 1989 debut album, and it´s audible that many years have passed and that the band have grown as composers and have incorporated new influences to their sound. The fact that only guitarists Jukka Kyrö and Markku Jokikokko remain from the lineup who recorded the debut album probably have an impact on the more mature nature of the output too. New lead vocalist Ilkka Järvenpää has a rough voice, but his delivery is also occasionally a bit more melodic in nature (without being melodic clean singing). National Napalm Syndicate have quite a few Slayer influenced riffs in their music (although this is not nearly as aggressive or raw as Slayer), but If I have to mention an artists that National Napalm Syndicate mostly reminds me of it would be late 80s/early 90s Flotsam and Jetsam. There´s that melodic heavy metal edge to their thrash metal that the Arizona band are also known for.
National Napalm Syndicate are a well playing unit, although I could have wished for a more varied and interesting rhythmic delivery. The drums are simply not that interesting. "Resurrection of the Wicked" features a well sounding production and the material are well written too, so upon conclusion it´s a good quality release and fans of thrash metal featuring melodic heavy metal elements could find this one an enjoyable listen. A 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating is warranted.