Shrapnel - The Virus Conspires

(CD Album Review)

****
British Hopefuls unleash their debut!

Having been generating interest of the back of their set at last years Bloodstock festival and various support slot Shrapnel know unleash their debut 'The Virus Conspires'. Shrapnel play Thrash Metal in a traditional way with a modern twist, while musically the bring to mind the classic Bay Area bands such as Exodus, Death Angel and even Dark Angel whilst the sound of this album is of later Thrash classic's such as Kreator's 'Phantom Antichrist' or Testament's latest string of albums this is no doubt a benefit of using producer Russ Russell. While it's obvious the bands influences are mainly American it's good to hear this album sounds British, it has that dark, grimy sound that can only come from a band that live in a country where it's always dark and raining!

One thing that's noticeable on this release is that the bands songs are shorter. On their EP 'The Devastation to Come' all the songs reached and went beyond the five minute mark whilst on this release only two of the eleven tracks do so. Which avoids the tracks outstaying their welcome. The first half of the albums blazes past with 'Kingdom Come' being a perfect opener and 'Titan' shreds with it's awesome chorus and fantastic lead work while the second half slows the pace and lets the tracks breathe and concentrate on atmosphere.

'The Virus Conspires' is a tight, fast, blazing album. The musicianship is second to none. The Songs are great and with tracks like 'Braindead' under their belt it easily stands up next to bands like Evile and Onslaught and it's only their debut! An awesome slice of Thrash Metal what are you waiting for?... have a listen.

Review by Joe Denby