Pittsburgh’s own Vicious Blade is finally releasing its debut, Relentless Force, which is as apt a title as I’ve ever heard. I say finally because they’ve released two sizzling EPs/ cassettes and contributed 3 tracks to Faster Than the Devil 2. One of those tracks, “Scorched,” appears here as well. It’s been 4 years since that first cassette appeared, and it’s time to see if their fearless youthful energy translates to full-length.

Beginning the album is the title track, “Relentless Force.” It starts with a scream reminiscent of “Angel of Death,” but the vocal similarities end there. Clarissa (also of Castrator)’s roar is gruff, powerful, and demonic in delivery. A galloping thrash riff is the heartbeat of the track, placing it firmly in the black thrash wheelhouse. At barely over 2 minutes, it sets the tone.

That tone is fast as fuck. A 27-minute album such as this isn’t going to give you much time to breathe. Especially on tracks such as “Forged Steel,” which is around 2 minutes. There’s a small changeup in the vocal style with some shouts along with the crushing screams, but it’s the same black thrash style. No complaints.

The next track, “Blasphemous Conjuring” has my favorite refrain on the album. The adrenaline-fueled riff and too-brief lead sections make this album seem as though the band is on fire and the only way to put it out was to finish recording.

I mentioned “Scorched” earlier as it appears on the Faster Than the Devil 2 compilation. It’s another… scorcher at under 3 minutes, but another fist-pumping riff gives me serious early Skeletonwitch vibes, mainly their Breathing the Fire era. Considering the lyrics include “breathing fire,” I find the comparison to make complete sense.

The final track is the longest, but only around 5 minutes, so it’s fine. “Death Blow” begins with a clean-picked guitar section, giving off some 80s vibes for a little over a minute before the badass riff kicks in, with the drums spot on to punctuate it. I wish they would experiment a little more with atmospherics and maybe some longer builds, but it’s a small nitpick on an album full of catchy, heavy gems.

It may have been obvious from the beginning, but Pittsburgh is my scene, and I am biased. However, Vicious Blade has taken their time, built a small following, and is a must-see live band. It would be disingenuous to say I know them well because I don’t. They’re acquaintances for whom I am rooting. Relentless Force is badass and exactly what I wanted from them in their debut. Redefining Darkness also appears to be a great home, and I could see the partnership being prosperous. I can’t recommend checking this out enough. You won’t be disappointed. It’s the crossover/black thrash album for which many of you have been waiting. Support the scene!

[Visit the band's website]

---

Comments