Burning Lord is one of the latest additions to the crossover thrash scene, and while they certainly bring the heat, it’s not exactly for the right reasons. There’s some strong potential here, with powerful, explosive drums, shredding guitar riffs, and a thick, punchy bass that creates a solid foundation. The music itself is energetic and does have its moments. However, the vocals are where things start to unravel. The lead singer’s performance feels flat, off-beat, and generally unrefined, almost like someone who’s never really stepped up to the mic before. These vocal shortcomings really drag down the overall impact, as they’re noticeably out of sync with the intensity the band is trying to bring.
On the plus side, the rest of the band delivers some solid performances. The bassist stands out in particular, playing some meaty lines that add a real heaviness to the mix. The guitars rip and tear through the tracks, contributing a lot of energy to the songs, though at times they lean a little too much into generic territory. Even so, they hold their own overall. The drumming is a blend of fast, tight beats and some more straightforward, rigid moments, giving the record a mix of speed and simplicity.
The production does a decent job of layering the instruments, but it falls short when it comes to the vocals, which occasionally feel buried or out of place in the mix. In the end, while Burning Lord shows some promise, the flaws—particularly in the vocal department—hold them back from truly claiming a spot at the top of the crossover thrash scene. For now, I’m not ready to pledge my allegiance to this fiery new band.
RATING: 7/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
Abyssal Crusade
Cannabis
Burning Lord
Walls Of Fear