Colorado thrashers, Havok, have thus far had the habit of just randomly coming into my life. Not even knowing who they were at all, I was introduced to the band on the Forbidden tour back in '11, and was so impressed that I instantly nabbed a copy of their then new album, 'Time Is Up' once they left the stage. I'll admit after giving the album a few solid listens they somewhat left me. Not that they are a bad band by any means, quite the opposite, its just that thrash isn't always my first choice of music these days. So, flash forward to a month ago and the bands playing in my area again and quite unexpectedly I'm being offered free concert tickets and this here album. I'll take 'em. And despite the fact that I had a worthless loser of a chick with me that evening, these thrashers made everything better in no time.
'Unnatural Selection' is the bands third album once again through Candlelight Records, and, well, its a fucking thrash metal album, man! Once again the band delivers the goods with a hard hitting full sound and with clear influences from the likes of Destruction, Exodus, Death Angel and Vio-Lence as well as new hair whipping killers, like Bonded by Blood, Violator, Fueled By Fire and whatever other high octane modern thrashers you can think of. The first two songs, 'I Am the State' & 'Give Me Liberty... Or Give Me Death,' are full on pummelers not too different from the bands past work, although with political jargon as lyrical themes, while 'It is True' & 'Under the Gun' showing a more catchy side to the band.
'Waste of Life' has some pretty hard on Mustaine worship going on, I mean, somehow vocalist/guitarist, David Sanchez, just totally nailed Dave's voice, which is good or bad depending on how you feel about that guy. Further through the tracklisting its just more fast paced, intricate riffing, fine solos and overall cool songs, before landing on a cover tune of Black Sabbath's, 'Children of the Grave,' which is an attempt to turn it into a thrash song, which to me is a fail since that material is untouchable and not to be fucked with. The tenth song and title track is totally solid too, and closes the album out on a high note with tons of energy and riffs galore.
I'd hate to close this review out by saying, 'Unnatural Selection,' is what it is, but it really just is. Its a modern day thrash metal album and it has and does everything you'd expect out of it. If you're still hip to that movement or just can't get enough thrash, well boy, I've got an album for you right here!
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