EVILDEAD – United States Of Anarchy

Old School Thrash Returns

Evildead is back, offering a blend of speed and thrash metal guitar riffs along with hyper drumming locked in with an over the top bass with punk overtones. Add to the mix aggressive 80s thrash vocals with lyrical themes that explore political, thought provoking social ideas mixed with a good amount of horror and nuclear war themes, and you have the recipe for what Evildead were and still are today. The lineup is virtually the same as the original with Albert Gonzales and Juan Garcia on guitars, Rob Alaniz on drums, Phil Flores on vocals and Karlos Medina (The Underworld) filling the role of bassist with skill and fervor.

Age of Anarchy

The new album United States of Anarchy certainly continues in the vein of their early work as the rapid double bass thrash beats drive the frantic guitar riffs, allowing Flores to deliver strong vocal rants that provoke thought and drive home the bands messages. The sound and feel of the album takes you back to the late 80s, and with the original artist Edward J. Repka once again illustrating the cover of the new album with all of the style and looks of the original releases it feels like stepping through a time machine.

Favorite Tracks

Opening track “The Descending” has the best energy, making it the ideal opener as it kicks off with a big rant on politics that is perfectly in line with the current political climate in the states. One of the most interesting tracks on the album is “No Difference” with it’s completely unexpected jazz improv intro, followed by furious riffing that almost takes your breathe away when it hits you full in the face. The utter madness of “Blasphemy Divine” makes it a stand out track, capturing all of the anger and energy that is Heavy Metal Thrash.

Final Notes

The production is solid, and the musicianship is top notch all the way around. The duel guitar work of Gonzales and Garcia is crisp and driving, with some great moments throughout the album. The vocals feel a little like they sit on top of the songs as opposed to being a part of the mix, and by the 4th song start to sound very much the same. Thrash Metal is known for aggressive, shout vocals but aside from the excellent lyrical work by Flores there is little to distinguish one song from the next.  All in all, if you love 80s Thrash Metal then you should definitely check out the return of Evildead.

Lineup

Albert Gonzales – Rhythm/Lead Guitars
Juan Garcia – Rhythm/Lead Guitars
Rob Alaniz – Drums
Phil Flores – Lead Vocals
Karlos Medina – Bass

Tragic Separation – Tracklist

1. The Descending
2. Word of God
3. Napoleon Complex
4. Green House
5. Without a Cause
6. No Difference
7. Blasphemy Divine
8. A.O.P. / War Dance
9. Seed of Doubt