Funeral Rain Press Corps

Genre: Thrash
Label: Independent

Take a little bit of Anthrax, pre-’89 Metallica, and a fair amount of Slayer, throw in some Candlemass, and call it Serenity Dies.
With a voice that reminds me a lot of Tom Araya and Messiah Marcolin combined, these guys bring a bit of a slower, chuggy thrash metal to the table. The song “Blood Serenade” is probably the best example of what I mean, and could be the best song on the album. It’s my favorite, at least.
These guys kick ass.
8 out of 10.

Serenity Dies on MySpace.

Genres: Metalcore, Thrash
Label: Independent

Walken have been around for quite awhile, but they are another one of those bands that are new to me. From the San Francisco area, the home of American thrash, it’s only natural to incorporate the genre into your style; and Walken have done it wonderfully.
They remind me of Killswitch Engage a little, and Anthrax a lot. Which is a really cool mix, if you ask me.
Rifftastic and loud, I think the newest self-titled from Walken will be their breakout release, putting them even further into the spotlight of American thrash. And I hope it does too, because these guys are damn good and damn deserving.
8 out of 10.

Walken on MySpace.

Genre: Thrash
Label: Independent

Pretty much three seconds into this thrash attack I wanted a beer in my hand and a skateboard under my feet.
Totally not the ‘serious’ thrash of some classic bands, Toxik Society is more of a punk crossover like Anthrax and modern thrashers Municipal Waste. Something to get fucked up and party to.
As an added bonus, these Spaniards play their instruments extremely well, with a fair amount of precision and tons of energy. The solo in the song “Morbid Crypt” is fucking great, shredtastic fun to listen to.
I recommend you check these guys out if you want to thrash out.
8 out of 10.

Toxik Society on MySpace.

Genres: Death Metal, Thrash
Label: Nuclear War Now! Productions

Ares Kingdom have been around for a few years now, but they’re new for me. Their newest album, Incendiary, is a hell of an introduction to them, too. It’s like Death and Anthrax hung out and jammed with Judas Priest.
Killer death and thrash riffs that make you bang your head and pump your fist while classic heavy metal solos shred your face off with razor sharp precision.
This is another one of those reviews that’s really easy to write. Kick ass music to kick ass to. I definitely recommend you grab yourself a copy, and on several different formats to choose from, it shouldn’t be too hard. Favorite tracks are “Descent of Man”, “Ashen Glory”, and “Beasts That Perish”.
8.5 out of 10.

Ares Kingdom on MySpace.