Review : WARBEAST – “Krush The Enemy”

Warbeast – Krush The Enemy
released April 27, 2010 on Housecore Records

Rating : 4/5

In the words of producer/label president Philip Anselmo (Down, ex-Pantera), Warbeast epitomizes ‘the DFW [Dallas/Ft. Worth] thrash metal’ sound. For those whose memory/knowledge stretches to decades back when Gammacide and Rigor Mortis were laying waste to Texas, this will be a breath of fresh air. Too bad it’ll come from the backswing of a battle axe about to embed in your skull.

Warbeast originally formed back in 2006 as Texas Metal Alliance, but have since changed their name to something much more memorable, including the sweet logo and artwork. I realize most members are involved in other projects, but hopefully Warbeast remains on the forefront. Gammacide axemen Rick Perry and Scott Shelby invoke Slayer v1.0 to great effect –– just listen to the solos on “Scorched Earth Policy” –– and Rigor Mortis vocalist Bruce Corbitt sings with classic conviction, making sure you hear every warring word.

Anselmo’s production is excellent. Although I thought the vocals were a bit too front-and-center on the title track, after a couple of spins you hear all those pockets they try to emphasize. For example, “We Are The Vultures” is somewhat corny with bookending movie quotes, but the more I listen, the more I appreciate the attention to detail. Just like the cover, every time I come back I notice something more. This is a perfect example of how great thrash can be, when controlling a state of uncompromising mayhem.

FCC: 2, 4, 9
Try: 1, 3, 5, 6, 10

01. Krush The Enemy
02. Unleashed
03. Self Will Run Riot
04. The Plague At Hand
05. Blackened Heart
06. Scorched Earth Policy
07. Guardian Angel
08. The Controller
09. Stalker
10. We Are The Vultures