Stephen
Wrathchild America's second album, "3D", was released in 1991, the late days of thrash movement, but widely ignored and forgotten. The band's musical direction is totally different and original, combining a punky thrash with many elements, from rock and roll, blues, funk, progressive, and even jazz. Some songs do have a commercial touch to be accessible to many new and casual thrash fans. This is an interesting band indeed, but unfortunately, thrash metal to me have to be furious, raging, brutal, and full of anger, and “3D" failed to meet the requirement. That's the essential reason why I dislike this album.
Brad Divens' vocal is quite similar to James Hetfield while Carter/Abbene provides some great solos, thrilling riffs, and even implemented several traditional instruments such as Banjo and Mandolin. My favorite tracks of the album are : "3D Man" with a chugging chops and fun chorus; "Forever Alone", an uptempo track with funky feel; "Desert Grins" with a dynamic tempo and talk-box experimentation; "What's Your Pleasure" with a normal thrash style; and "Parallel" which is their best track with a reggae flavor mix in the middle of the song. Other tracks are okay but some are quite weak including "Gentleman Death" and the single "Surrounded by Idiots".
If this isn't thrash, Wrathchild America is totally fun and interesting, but their diversity is like a backfiring boomerang, and if you're looking for a great thrash album, I doubt "3D" is a good choice, but for a thrash fanatic and completist, Wrathchild America could be a nice addition.