Gareth checks out the new single from Helgrind ahead of his upcoming full album review, check it out for yourselves…

If you like your thrash a bit old school, the latest single ‘Massacre the Suffering’ from Arlesey Thrashers Helgrind might just be what you’re looking for; a ferocious brute of a track from their forthcoming ‘Insurrection’ album. That’s not to say that they are merely an 80s throwback, far from it, I’m talking more about attitude and execution. 

The production utilises modern technology, but Helgrind don’t fall into the trap many bands do, by sounding too processed and clinical. While everything is clear and powerful in the mix, the guitars have a real bite to them, and the bass and drums are locked into a formidable bottom end rhythm section, there’s a natural resonance to the sound which just adds to the band’s inherent heaviness.

The song itself is an unremitting beast with belabouring drums and razor sharp riffing, Paula’s vocals adding to the savagery, yet there’s a melodic structure that underpins the brutality, which will anchor the song into your brain after only a few listens, there’s a hint of the LA legends Slayer in the sound, yet the melody incorporated in the lead interplay between Si and Joe is more Smith and Murray than King and Hannemen.

The bottom line is this: if you’re in any way into thrash or extreme metal, you need to hear this, this is a fantastic 3 minute taster, ready for the main course ahead.

The New Album Insurrection is out on the 22nd October, go and pre-order NOW