Slovenia’s Eruption came into my radar in 2013 when Xtreem Music signed them and remastered and reissued their debut 2009 album, Lifeless Paradise.  I was impressed by this thrash band, who looked to be developing a sound that could hang with the big thrash bands.  I immediately picked up the second album, Tenses Collide and the new drummer, Ivan Cepanec, added even more intensity to their sound and I knew the band was onto something special.  Cloaks of Oblivion is not only Eruption’s crowning achievement thus far, but one of the best thrash albums in a long goddamned time.  One of the things that is tweaked is the band, while still retaining their thrash sound, as their primary focus, have added some power metal elements to the mix.  The dynamic introduction of this style is outstanding.  Klemen sings with some stylized elements of some German power metal band of yore, as well as the band adding in some power metal thrash hooks, not too far removed from Germany’s Scanner.

The title track opens with an acoustic intro before erupting into a mid-paced power-thrash rumbling with killer guitar solos.  One of the singers Klemen emulates is the great David Wayne (RIP) of classic Metal Church/Reverend fame. So wonderful to hear and in some parts I close my eyes and it brings me back to 1984, sounds unreal.  The song is a slower tune, but is dripping with riff after memorable riff.  Klemen hitting some incredible highs towards the end of the song.  “Drones” marches on with some thrashing and a classic beat at the 25 second mark.  You’ll know it once it comes on and you will be holding the horns high with this.  Ivan doing some great drum rolls, high-hat and cymbal hits.  The song picks up to a quicker power-thrashing pace and it’s pure 80’s thrashing with excellent vocals patterns and Grega and Andrej having some killer guitar melodies and riffing.  New bassist, Nika, well she provides a real nice bass guitar sound, adding to a more powerful rhythm section for Eruption.

Don’t forget Ivan knows how to blast away and with “The Yearning” you’ll be treated to some outstanding power, grind blasts that recall Pathfinder and guitar solos over the blast are perfect.  Super powerful tune.  Tough to find a favorite song.  I know Jason “Hey sorry I had to raise the rent at the Brill Building” had to get himself away from The Brambles, as you was frequenting it too much, and said how much he loved “Seven Archons”.  I could not help but agree.  The chorus is fantastic and the song starts out thrashing out the gates, with a little pinch harmonics thrown in, to knock you back into your chair.  The 1.17 part is when the chorus comes in and is so catchy with the music and vocal patterns.  Summoning some killer power metal moments, this is one of my favorite song moments for all of 2017.  Luckily this repeats again, a little later on.  I cannot get enough of this part, it’s magical.  The production on Cloaks of Oblivion is perfect, no complaints, the booklet packaging, album cover, musicianship-all of this release Shows how much Eruption put into this album.  I can tell it was not an easy album to make.  Strong and complicated strong structures with so much catchiness-this is not easy to do folks.

The long wait, between releases was worth it.  I encourage Eruption to continue adding the power metallish elements to their monstrous thrash sound and to develop even more of those catchy choruses.  It’s just the tip of the iceberg with Eruption, I can tell.  Cloaks of Oblivion is a tremendous album and has a lot of classic elements thrown in, which I appreciate.  Will be on my best of this year, easily.  Buy or Die!!

[Visit the band's website]

---

Comments