CD REVIEWS

Evile – Enter The Grave (Earache Records)

I have followed this band live for over three years since their pre-Evile days of playing cover songs, and I remember when the band began to write some songs of their own which instantly went down well with the crowd at gigs.

After seeing the band release two exceptional demos they caught the attention of Earache Records, who have released their debut album Enter The Grave.

So what’s so special about Enter The Grave? Firstly, it was produced by the legendary Flemming Rasmussen, the man responsible for bringing us, what to many metal fans is the greatest album ever, Master Of Puppets by Metallica. However, do not expect to hear another Master Of Puppets here.

What you do have here is perhaps the best example of pure thrash we have heard this century, with lyrics about shark attacks and John Rambo. Tracks like Enter The Grave and Thrasher may sound familiar if you have heard the demos, and while Thrasher didn’t impress me on the demos, the rough edges seem to have been smoothed out, with the song now a raw uncompromising thrash anthem. Also on the album is the fan favourite Killer From the Deep from the first demo All Hallows Eve EP, however for me the best song on the album is still We Who Are about to Die.

You also have some kick ass new songs such as Burned Alive and Bathe in Blood. With killer riffs and solos and catchy choruses you cannot fault this album. If you are a fan of thrash metal then this album should take pride in your collection.

Dave Heward