XENTRIX, the legendary UK thrash metal band, is back with a bang! Their new album, 'Allied With The Enemy', is a powerful statement that showcases their unwavering commitment to the genre. This record is a testament to their resilience and artistic evolution, pushing the boundaries of what thrash metal can be.
In my opinion, what makes 'Allied With The Enemy' truly remarkable is how it seamlessly blends the band's signature style with a modern edge. The album opens with 'Rip Saw', an intense and aggressive track that immediately sets the tone for the rest of the record. It's a brutal and relentless opening, showcasing the band's signature bite and precision.
One thing that immediately stands out is the production quality. The album was recorded at Backstage Studios in England and produced by the renowned Andy Sneap, who has a knack for elevating thrash metal to new heights. His precision and power elevate the band's heaviest material yet, ensuring that every riff and solo cuts through the mix with crystal clarity.
The album's lyrical themes are equally compelling. XENTRIX tackles topics like disinformation, blind popularity, social and personal collapse, and self-bias with clarity and conviction. This is not light listening; it's music that demands attention and rewards those who want something to think about. The lyrics are a powerful commentary on the state of the world, and they do not shy away from addressing the darker aspects of human nature.
What many people don't realize is that XENTRIX has a rich history that predates their initial rise to fame in the late '80s. The band was originally thrust into the public eye after their demo received a five-K review in Kerrang!, which in turn caught the attention of Roadrunner Records. They soon found themselves in the studio making 'Shattered Existence', and their now-infamous cover of 'Ghostbusters' remains a firm favorite with fans old and new.
From my perspective, the band's second album, 'For Whose Advantage?', is a bonafide thrash classic. It showcases their signature style and sets the stage for their future success. The band went on to enjoy a short-but-successful career, sharing stages with the likes of SLAYER, TESTAMENT, SEPULTURA, ANNIHILATOR, SABBAT, TANKARD, and SKYCLAD before calling it a day in 1996.
However, XENTRIX is not done yet. The band reunited with its original lineup in 2006 for two gigs in the band's home country, and they have since released four albums on Roadrunner Records: 'Shattered Existence' (1989), 'For Whose Advantage' (1990), 'Dilute to Taste' (1991), and 'Kin' (1992).
Now, with 'Allied With The Enemy', XENTRIX is back with a vengeance. The album is a powerful statement that showcases their unwavering commitment to the genre and their artistic evolution. It's a record that refuses to pull its punches and delivers a ten-track barrage that will leave fans craving more.
If you're a fan of thrash metal, 'Allied With The Enemy' is a must-listen. It's a record that showcases the band's signature style and their ability to push the boundaries of the genre. So, if you crave thrash with purpose, weight, and intelligence, this album is ready to take your head off!
