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6.2/10
Summary
Label: M-Theory Audio
Release date: January 17, 2025
User Review
( votes)Inspired by thrash metal legends such as Overkill, Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax, Canadian thrash metal band Hazzerd released their debut EP, Victimize the Innocent, in 2014. After solidifying their lineup, they released their debut studio album, Misleading Evil, in 2017, which was released through World War Now Records. 2020 saw the release of their second studio album, Delirium, through their current record label, M-Theory Audio. Their first two albums received positive reviews, including a nod from Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine. In 2024, Hazzerd unleashed their horror genre expertise by contributing two songs, “Skin Peeler” and “Stella’s Scream,” for Julie Hiner’s horror book project, Thrash Track, which is part of her Detective Mahoney series. 2025 finally saw the release of the band’s third studio album, The 3rd Dimension, a more concise record that focuses on human influences through media.
Thrash Till Death
Dylan Westendorp’s “take no prisoner” vocals (or screams) assure listeners that Hazzerd mean serious business and they plan to keep it that way. “Scars” shows off a more melodic side to the band, which balances out the frantic drumming and wicked guitar solos that take place simultaneously. “Unto Ashes” harshly points out the difference between fantasy and reality. If only it were that simple to make someone cease to exist with the snap of one’s fingers. The interlude is really cool with the time signature change, breaking the formula just a bit.
While “Scars” offers a glimpse of the band’s melodic side, “Deathbringer” is where it comes into full play. Sonically, it sounds amazing and even with Westendorp’s screams, it’s still a pleasant listen on the ears. “ThArSh TiLl DeTh” is a much simpler song than the title makes it out to be. It’s somewhat of a joke song because the lyrics poke fun at thrash metal fans who think their opinions are better than everyone else’s. Megadeth fans will like the track, that is if they think Rust in Peace (1990) is the greatest album of all time. “A Fell Omen” is a nine minute instrumental that takes listeners on a musical journey with a beginning, middle, and end. The flamenco acoustic guitar work is beautiful.
The Good and the Bad
As for the negatives, half of the songs stay at the same level the entire time with no big hooks to look forward to. “Interdimension,” for example, even after a few listeners, it’s hard to make out the chorus because there’s no build up. If anything, the song is one big massive verse for three and a half minutes. The same can be said for “Control,” except it’s only three minutes. The instrumentation is really good and the lyrics are interesting, but the songwriting needs some work. If anything, Westendorp’s lyrics could be turned into a science fiction / horror novel and it would be successful. Speaking of Westendorp, props to him for singing while playing the drums because that must be difficult to do, especially for a thrash metal drummer.
Final Assessment
As highly emphasized before, it’s all based on the listener’s perspective. From one side, the songs are very basic and not memorable. From a different side, there’s a charm to Hazzerd’s intense and chaotic approach to their music; it fits the straightforward and “take no prisoner” vibe they got going on. If interested, give The 3rd Dimension a chance!
Album Tracklist
- Interdimension
- Scars
- Unto Ashes
- Deathbringer
- TTT
- Plagueis
- ThArSh TiLl DeTh
- Parasitic
- A Fell Omen
- Control
Band Lineup
Dylan Westendorp – drums and lead vocals
Toryin Schadlich – lead guitar
David Sprague – bass guitar
Nick Schwartz – rhythm guitar
Brendan Malycky – rhythm guitar on the album
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