Unitron
Forming back in 2007, Belgian thrash metal act Bliksem blasted onto the scene with their debut studio album Face the Evil in 2013. Two years later the band released their second and unfortunately final studio album before breaking up in 2017. While being their final album, they thankfully went out with a bang and delivered one of the greatest modern thrash metal albums with their Gruesome Masterpiece.
Rampaging thrash with a strong sense of melody and variety is the name of Bliksem's game here, and they master each level. From mosh-pit ready thrash anthems like "Kywas", "Twist the Knife", and "Fucked Up Avenue" to doom metal dirges like the almost ten-minute long "Morphine Dreams", they've got it all. Along with the blend of thrash and doom, there's also a mix of stoner, classic metal, and alternative metal. The closest comparison I can make is a band like Death Angel, who perhaps first mastered the combination of thrash and alternative.
Duel guitarists Jeroen De Vries and Toon Huet smack the listener across the face with killer riffs and hooks, case in point, the stomping thrasher "Room Without a View". It just gets even better once bassist Jan Rammeloo and drummer Rob Martin comes in with a slamming rhythm section. Speaking of Rob Martin, he is a master behind the kit. Just take a listen to the blistering "Twist the Knife", he just attacks the drum set like there's no tomorrow. The end of the song especially amazing, and features an fantastic crashing beat that is impossible to not stomp along to. Of course, one can't forget vocalist Peggy Meeussen who masters both melodic clean vocals and roaring thrash vocals. Her vocals remind me a bit of the Guano Apes' Sandra Nasić.
If you're looking for some melodic yet blistering thrash, Bliksem's Gruesome Masterpiece is an essential listen. While the band did call it quits in this year of 2017, they fortunately left behind a modern thrash classic. You done good Bliksem, you done good. Hope you found this review helpful, feel free to comment!