apathy-adecadeofviolence

Apathy - A Decade Of Violence

Genre - Thrash Metal

In the past 4 or 5 years there has become a resurgeance of thrash metal breeding it's way across the land. During this time numerous bands have jumped the bandwagon claiming to be thrash while their legitamacy remains in question. After sifting through these bands and hearing their testimonies I find that these bands have failed to produce anything even close. Then there is this band Apathy from Clifton New Jersey who also claim to be thrash so I had to hear it for myself. Not that I am THE most expert in what is thrash but I do have a pretty damn good understanding of what thrash metal sounds like and these guys are 100% pure absolute thrash. "A Decade of Violence" is abundant with rapid fire riffs and war time violent drum patterns. This is an album that follows the blueprint of traditional thrash metal and delivers with style and class.

The first track "Machine Gun Rain" starts with a galloping rhythm that leads into an electric assault of guitar chops. The Vocals are a strong gritty style remenisent of someone I can't quit recall just now (but maybe a Lee Dorrian or Tom G. Warrior in parts). There is a fret frenzy guitar play that I am sure will saticfy all headbanging metalheads that are not deaf already. "Disciples of Chaos" and "Plea of Mercy" are prime examples of thrash metals personality saturated with aggression, intensity and rawness. "Era of Terror" thrusts a war dance turret with it's catchy and memorable riffage. There is no escaping the thick, heavy chords burrowing into your soul and releasing the organized anarchy from within. "Forever in Darkness" is a tune that sports an east coast vibe that only natives of the New York and New Jersey area can pull off. It's all within the attitude of the region and those from the mid-atlantic will know what I am speaking of .... the same can be said of bands from the bay area. It's all thrash but there is a distinct style of sound. The next track "Final Threat" is an awesome song with a lead melody intro that carries into the verse, chugs along with riffling riffs, shreds through a killer guitar lead while the rhythm package of bass guitar and drums concrete this mast amidst the foundation of molten steel know as thrash. Songs like "War Torn" and "Born into Pain" continue the surge of proficiency, soldiering on with layered melodies, decisive solos, solid bass guitar rhythms and barbaric mannerisms from the drum kit. "The Morning After" is an acoustic guitar piece played with some real devotion. This is simply a beautiful work of art and I would greatly love to hear a part 2 or something of this nature continued in the future. This song adds a dynamic side to things that could really take this band to the next level. Finding this type of emotion and conveying it into a violent and extreme style of music is like beauty meets the beast. The last track "Violent Nature" has a Slayer-esk feel. You can hear it in the driving, steadfast beat of the doublebass kick and the blistering guitar leads. This song shows that the band truly know, understand and have the conviction to play thrash metal in the essence of the thrash forfathers. This is an instant anthem and perhaps a thrash classic within time.

So in closing, Apathy are a thrash metal band playing the classic style passed down by those who built the groundwork. "A Decade of Violence" is an album with character and passion. It's authentic thrash in modern day without sounding cheap or labeled thrash souly for the intent of sales or attention. With Peter Wells on guitar and vocals, Bill Jameson on drums, Bill Valverde on bass and Warren Conditi on guitar this band have put forth one of the best albums of 2009. Each member brings a sizable ability to express themselves through music and create something all their own. I'm not trying to say that this is a flawless disc and that it should automatically surpass all other thrash albums since reign in blood but more that this is the next generation flying the flag of thrash high and proud and in the footsteps of those that pathed the way. This is a worthy nomination for album of the year.

Should appeal to fans of Overkill, Anthrax, Slayer, Kreator

Review by Helter

Rating: 9/11

Apathy Official Website - www.apathy-nj.com/

Apathy Official Myspace - www.myspace.com/apathymetalgods

Apathy Web Store - Please buy the disc for a low cost of just $10 (it's so worth it !)