After some delay, during the past few months, in ordering stuff, the 'Maniac' CD by Martyrd is finally rotating in the player as I'm writing this. I'd sampled some of the tracks a while back, the impression of melodic, fine-tuned powerthrash and an above-average vocalist I had back then holds up nicely this Friday. Song number 4, 'Trapped within', is a small gem that reminds me of 'Ride the lightning'-era Metallica. Why? Because of the vocals, the organic time changes and extremely tight playing, because of the first guitar solo (an absolute adrenalin-kicker) and the way the song is structured.
As these recordings date from 2008, one wonders what the guys are currently up to. Anyway, this a recommended release for those who prefer a healthy portion of speed and melody in their thrash. Oh, and lest I forget: this album has an actual
production, too.
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* A bit later in the day *
After a few more spins I cannot - praise the Lord and pass the ammo - detect anything that would link Martyrd's style to that of the notoriously un-tight Nuclear Assault. The 'Ride the lightning' worship factor comes across pretty loud and clear throughout the album. Nothing I can't handle, though.