VIO-LENCE — Let the World Burn (review)

VIO-LENCE — Let the World Burn album cover EP · 2022 · Thrash Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
UMUR
"Let the World Burn" is an EP release by US, California based thrash metal act Vio-Lence. The album was released through Metal Blade Records in March 2022. Vio-Lence originally formed in 1985 and released three full-length studio albums before calling it quits in 1993. By the time "Nothing to Gain" (1993) came out guitarist Robb Flynn had already moved on and formed Machine Head, and second guitarist Phil Demmel would join Machine Head in 2003, after his post-Vio-Lence act Torque failed to take off (a band which also featured other late lineup Vio-Lence members). Demmel however chose to leave Machine Head in 2018 as he and Flynn no longer agreed on the musical direction or general business of the band, and he subsequently asked former Vio-Lence lead vocalist Sean Killian and drummer Perry Strickland to join him in a new version of Vio-Lence. Former Overkill guitarist Bobby Gustafson was brought in as well as former Fear Factory bassist Christian Olde Wolbers to complete the new quintet lineup.

Stylistically the material on this comeback EP is hard edged, punchy, and aggressive thrash metal done the Bay Area Vio-Lence way. Killian was always a "water divider" type vocalist, and while his voice and vocal style are a little less unique (to some less grating on the ears would probably be a more valid description) on the five tracks on the 24:47 minutes long EP, they are still probably an aquired taste. The riffs are sharp, thrashy, and raw, and the rhythm section are tight and deliver a powerful attack. It´s audible that these guys are seasoned veterans of the scene. Not in the sense that this sounds like grandpa playing, but because everything is delivered with thight precision and an understanding for the right balance between catchiness and rawness. It´s Exodus I think about first, when I listen to Vio-Lence (artists like Forbidden and the related Demonica could also be mentioned as valid references), but the latter are generally faster, more aggressive, and intense.

"Let the World Burn" features a powerful, clear, and sharp sounding production, which suits the material perfectly. The bass is audible, the drums sound sharp, and the guitars are aggressive and punchy. Overall this EP is a good quality comeback for Vio-Lence and for fans of late 80s/early 90s Bay Area thrash metal it´s mandatory listening material. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.
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