This is what I call a bullshit-free release, an attribute that always scores points in my big book ‘o reviewing. One might even call it an unmitigated mofo. The “it” to which I refer is Evil Army’s self-titled album, an offering that is pedal-to-the-floor vintage thrash metal without an ounce of pretension, studio gloss, or mall crawling plasticity.

Originally released by Get Revenge Records in 2006, the only differences with the Hells Headbangers re-issue are “re-worked layout with new interior artwork and band photo.” Works for me. More importantly is that if you didn’t know about these Memphis boys when the original album was released, then I’m about to tell you why any self-respecting thrash-head should run right out and plunk down the bucks for this bad boy. The reasoning is without complexity. You get 13 tracks of consistently played and well-written old school thrash. The style is largely of the Kill ‘Em All era Metallica variety (the young Hetfield approach style in particular) with shades of early Slayer and, to some extent, D.R.I. There isn’t a stinker in the bunch. “Evil Army,” “Edge of Destruction,” “Realm of Death,” and “Driven to Violence” represents only a handful of these savagely delivered and pretty damn memorable songs. The playing is loose (as in wild ‘n wooly, not sloppy), the feeling is raw as hell, and the atmosphere stinks of smoking bomb craters. It’s also a treat to hear a drummer that is actually playing without the assistance of studio machinery.

Oh, it is not as though it hasn’t been done before, but since when was that of paramount importance for a vintage thrash affair? Evil Army delivers the goods with conviction and genuine passion. Fundamentally sound songwriting and hair-raising tempos don’t hurt either. This is the good stuff.

[Visit the band's website]

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