Infected Nations [Import]

Take the progressive approach Metallica took on the "Justice" album and bring in Max Cavalera (Sepultura) for vocals and you have the new band EVILE. Of course, that's a metaphor, but basically that's it. You have rather long songs, 5-8 minutes and one topping off at just over 11 minutes. Very similar to the Justice album indeed. Of course, there is some irony here, as this band started out as a Metallica cover band. So go figure. The difference is in the vocal department. Th rhythm guitarist who is also the singer belts out the lyrics in a rather mono-tone way very similar to Tom Araya and Max Cavalera. And then you got the cover art here. Which reminds one of Sepultura's classic "Arise". The little sticker on the shrink wrap even says "for fans of Slayer, Megadeth, and Sepultura". And I can see that...especially the Slayer and Sepultura reference, but not so much Megadeth. Megadeth is much more "melodic speed metal" than true thrash. But anyway, if you like Slayer, Sepultura, and "Justice"-era Metallica, EVILE is a band for you.

So how is the music? Not too bad, really. A bit repetative though. But what thrash band's music isn't to some extent? That's kind of why I got away from thrash in my metal comeback in this decade. But with all the new thrash bands coming out over the last few years, my taste for thrash has been rewet.

Well, actually, as I continue listening to this album as I write this review, this band is closer to old school Sepultura before they went all native on us than anything else. Doesn't have as many ripping solos as say Seputura has, but the ones it does have are very Sepultura-like.

I am so impressed with this album. I have been a fan of thrash metal for years, and I'm glad that so many people are getting back into the genre, but I have been less than impressed with most of the current wave of bands trying to capitalize on the thrash resurgence. I like Warbringer, Warpath, Blood Tsunami, and Lazarus AD, but for the most part I feel like the current thrash bands are just goofing around making silly records with poor production and weak vocals. Evile appears to take what they are doing seriously. The production is top-notch. The songs are all well written and flawlessly played, and the vocals are actually good. So many of today's thrash band's vocalists sound like they are trying to immulate 1985 era Joey Belladonna and failing. Evile's singer has some balls and is more comparable to Hetfield on And Justice for All. Speaking of And Justice for All, Infected Nations sounds a lot like that classic album without being a copy-cat. The thrash on Infected Nations is a bit slower than most thrash, just like And Justice For All was the slowest Metallica album to that date. That's not to say that it isn't some ripping thrash, but it's not Show No Mercy. I can't say enough good things about this album. I can't stop listening to it, and considering I have over 2,000 albums in my collection, that's saying a lot.

Evile first album was awesome and all but in this second record they didnt sounds like a straight forward thrash band, instead they add more heavy groove element into their riffing and it will reminds you of what metallica did on justice for all or some on songs master of puppets. The production is all great and doesnt sounds overwhelming thick and loud like all these metalcore crap band from today. For those who's really into 80's thrash style like megadeth, metallica, testament, slayer, exodus,... I really recommanded this band cause they do write a quality thrash music with good clean vocal and hooky riff, not just some generic screaming thrash band that just go all out full speed. However, you'll need at least more 3-4 listens to really get into the music, at least in my own experience.

Keytrack : Now demolition