UMUR
"Manifest Decimation" is the debut full-length studio album by US, Texas based thrash metal act Power Trip. The album was released through Southern Lord Recordings in June 2013. Power Trip was formed in 2008 and released a demo and two EPs before releasing "Manifest Decimation". The album features the following lineup: Chris Whetzel (bass), Riley Gale (vocals), Nick Stewart (rhythm guitar), Blake Ibanez (lead guitar), and Chris Ulsh (drums).
Power Trip play a powerful, aggressive, and occasionally rather brutal thrash metal style on "Manifest Decimation". The band are well playing and lead vocalist Riley Gale has a suiting raw and aggressive delivery. Unfortunately the band (or the producer) has chosen to put effects on the vocals, which make them sound like they were recorded in the room next door. They are slightly too low in the mix, distorted, and sound distant. The instrumental part of the music thankfully makes up for some of that by being sharp, aggressive, and hard edged. Power Trip are both able to deliver fast-paced riffs and rhythms and heavy mid-paced grooves with equal conviction.
Other than the odd vocal effect choice, the sound production is powerful and well sounding. It suits the rawness of the music perfectly. The material on the 8 track, 34:38 minutes long album is well written, catchy, and effective too, so upon conclusion "Manifest Decimation" is a promising debut album by Power Trip. They don´t have much in way of an original sound though and that is a minor issue, but if you enjoy all the classic virtues of the more aggressive and brutal end of the US thrash metal spectrum, "Manifest Decimation" is recommended. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.