Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Suppressive Fire Bedlam Review

Suppressive Fire
Bedlam
Self-Released
Jan 14, 2016
Review by hutch


Thrash will never die. That’s not some half-assed, bumper sticker rally cry for me to use as a crutch. A few years ago, and back in 2000ish, there were “thrash revivals”. However, that sentiment implies that afterwards, thrash “died” again. Do not tell Suppressive Fire that. These North Carolina shredders, injecting some ill death metal into their formula, deliver intense and furious thrash metal. After an EP and a split, Suppressive Fire opens 2016 with one hell of an album.

As Exodus purists argue over who should be on vocals and Municipal Waste spawns another side project, Joel Grind moves into producing amazing bands. Suppressive Fire unleash this mammoth album to declare their place in this genre. Grind has pulled a strong performance, thick riffs, and killer leads out of these dudes. Stunningly, this band is a trio grinding out these tracks. They have been in existence since 2013. They have opened for Wretched, Hookers, Genocide Pact (!!!), and, obviously, Toxic Holocaust. These eleven songs should propel them into the mouths of others.
Suppressive Fire stick with apocalyptic and evil themes. The kick drum is adorned with their jagged moniker over a pentagram. Song names include “Nazi Face Melter”, “Thy Flesh Consumed”, “Holy Masochism”, and “Crucify the Kings”. Capturing the senses of the disillusioned in a world gone to Hell, Suppressive Fire push an angry, damning sound. The dark atmosphere provided fit all expectations. Death metal and thrash depend on tight delivery. SF sound focused and honed in their menacing version of metal. The drumming is superb, rolling with every time change. That snare gets hit without yield in blistering speedy moments. Twisted chugs are wrenched out of guitar and bass fervently. And, again, smoking leads bless almost every track.

Bedlam, adorned with a Par Olofsson (Abysmal Dawn, Exodus) painting, is a quick album with no excesses or indulgences. SF come for one reason and that is accomplished. Their sound is heavy, fast and dark.  Joel Grind’s work behind the boards shows faith in these young dudes. It is deserved.


RIYL: Kreator, Destruction, Exodus, Testament, Slayer, Wilderness Dream, Toxic Holocaust, Skeletonwitch

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