The beast is back, but perhaps it's time for him to return after taking some time to work on himself. The latest EP from New World Man pushes crossover thrash metal into new and uncharted territories. Some of these explorations hit the mark, while others miss the mark.
What stands out the most on this EP is the drumming. It's been a while since I've heard anything snap like this—reminiscent of the intensity found on The Tsunami LP. The drums here are absolutely beautiful, sharp, and relentless. The drummer even adds in some technically intricate patterns that might sound a bit sloppy at first, but after a closer listen, they reveal a certain creative flair that adds a unique touch to the overall sound.
The guitars are another highlight, blending groovy thrash riffs with a nod to classic 80s thrash, while also fine-tuning the sound to make it feel fresh. The riffs themselves are fierce and infectious, compelling you to headbang along. The bass, while not as prominent or forceful as I would have hoped, still adds subtle value to the tracks when it makes an appearance, helping to fill out the sound.
One major issue I had with the EP, though, was the volume and mix of the vocals. They often feel strangely mixed, making it difficult to hear them clearly in certain parts. This leads to a bit of frustration, as the vocals seem to fade into the background, which detracts from the overall impact of the songs.
In terms of songwriting, the tracks are solid but not spectacular. There’s nothing inherently bad, but nothing particularly groundbreaking either. The songs are enjoyable enough, but none of them really stand out as a true standout or an anthem. They're good, even great at times, but they lack that special spark that would make them truly compelling.
RATING:7/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
THE BEAST IS BACK
TRAPPED IN MURDERWORLD
REANIMATING THE FACE OF DEATH