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EVILE
Hell Unleashed
Napalm Records

As far as Thrash goes, Germany has 'The Big Teutonic 4' and then there's the American equivalent, 'The Big 4'. In that conversation, you can't leave out the UK which needless to say, but I'm going to say it anyways, is laced with Metal history. Set aside the debate where Thrash Metal originated, the influence the UK has had is undeniable. From JUDAS PRIEST, VENOM, MOTÖRHEAD – the NWOBHM is a never ending road of great bands and great history. A history that still writes itself as many great bands are being unleashed to the world everyday. Enter EVILE from the England who have released their newest chapter, Hell Unleashed via Napalm Records.

Not too typical of traditional thrash, they stretch the norm keeping that crossover grove but that added abstract vocal approach and stellar guitar solos really elevate them as a great modern thrash band on this record. No staling on their new effort here, they definitely unleash Hell here giving full throttle from the moment you hit play. Since their formation in 2004, their Independent release All Hallows Eve, followed by their full length Earache Records debut Enter The Grave in 2007 - Hell Unleashed is ONLY their 5th release to date. As such, they could still be considered part of the new wave of Thrash, a list that is HUGE by the way as the resurgence of crossover thrash has blown up over the last decade. Of the modern era, EVILE is definitely one of the standout bands to check out.

From beginning to end, Hell Unleashed is an absolutely entertaining album, comeback album if you will since it's been over 7 years since their last. They leave behind a lot of the melody in the vocals that long time listeners have been accustomed to. This is largely due to the departure of Matt Drake who fronted the group and doubled on guitars as well. Taking over vocal duties now is bandmate and brother, Ol Drake who up to this point had only provided backup vocals, aside from guitar duties too. Ol and I talked in length during my interview with him recently. You can check it out HERE. We discussed his vocal approach that he said was a challenge for him at first but was able to take this new endeavor head on and with great success. With respect to their prior albums and former vocalist, this new version of EVILE executes a great new sound for the band. Now along with new guitarist Adam Smith, there’s an added focus on the guitar work that really drives the record.

Another possible factor as to why Hell Unleashed is such a ripper could be the gap in time since 2013’s Skull (Earache Records). A lot had built up leading towards the new direction EVILE was going. During that time Ol had left the band to focus on more important matters, only to return with eagerness while at the same time his brother Matt decided to leave, also to focus on more important matters. With no love lost, EVILE re-emerged and with a vengeance.

Topping of an already intense and interesting album, add the multi-talented comedian Brian Posehn who contributed on the track "Gore" and then of all things, EVILE gives us a short but sweet rendition of NYDM Icons MORTICIAN with "Zombie Apocalypse", a band seldom covered. This album has it all with amazing sound captured by Chris Clancy at Backstage Studios in the UK. Hell Unleashed indeed as anything and everything that was bottled up in the last 7 years made way for an outstanding release by one of Britain's best.

4.5 Out Of 5.0