Since catching them as openers for Exodus a few years ago, Warbringer has become a constant favorite of mine and a clear reminder that thrash metal is alive and well (not that I ever doubted it to be). ‘Waking into Nightmares’ is a flesh ripping, fist pumping and throat lacerating thrashing metal attack that hankers back to the glorious days of thrash metals past.
It seems like the band received a lot of criticism for their debut ‘War Without End,’ and while I agree with some of it (lousy production, generic riffs, short solos were the common ones I seen) I still found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable thrash revival album. WiN on the other hand seems to see the band finding their true voice by assaulting the listeners with breakneck thrash metal that’s filled with varied and appealing riffs, excellent lengthy solos, great lead vocals and a perfect production job courtesy of Gary Holt of Exodus.
What I really like about this album and good metal albums in general is when they are able to get me completely charged up and full of energy. If your anything like me (you can admit it) you’ll find yourself head banging, tapping your feet, pumping your fist and shouting out the lyrics to this album a lot even if you live with just cats or even by yourself. That’s just one of the things I love about metal or music in general is the emotional response I feel when I listen to it and frankly Warbringer has become a constant when I need to get myself going.
As far as favorites are concerned, well I really can’t hesitate to say that every single song truly stands out, but ‘Severed Reality,’ ‘Living in the Whirlwind’ and ‘Forgotten Dead’ really stick out the most for me. The slower instrumental, ‘Nightmare Anatomy’ is also perfectly placed and allows listeners to catch their breath for a few minutes too.
Overall this band has gotten much better since their debut and frankly this is one of the better if not the best thrash metal album I’ve heard in recent years. Lastly if these guys come to your town to play you’d best be absolutely sure not to miss them. I’ve seen them four times in the past two years and each and every time they’ve been absolutely incredible. Thrash!
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