Album Review: Thrasherwolf – Inside The Sickened Mind (Self Released/Vicious Witch Records)

London thrashers Thrasherwolf have returned with their new, and second, studio album, ‘Inside the Sickened Mind’. This, the follow-up to their well-received 2020 debut album, ‘We Are Revolution’.

A ripping and tearing example of thrash metal, their debut record was great and while this sophomore release doesn’t offer anything fresh, it is also a blast. A belligerent and bold showcase of thrash metal at its most intense.

Beginning in hostile fashion with the speeding ferocity of Final Act of Aggression and delivering heavy blow after heavy blow with G.B.H (Gratuitous Bodily Harm). Thrasherwolf set out the clear head banging goal with this eight-track release. You should come away feeling the ache in your neck, and with roaring efforts like these two beasts, it’s a goal easily achieved.

Provided you’re not expecting anything world-beating or game-changing, you’re going to have a good old-school thrashy time with this record. Once again, Thrasherwolf prove to be adept at delivering fast and frenetic heaviness as Hanging House and Scream till Death take us up to the halfway point with hefty aplomb. Both providing a bevy of penetrating riffs, pulverising drums, and scathing vocals across their runtimes. This is Thrasherwolf at their absolute best, pugnacious and powerful. The latter’s tempo mix makes it one hell of a heavy anthem and the ‘screams’ are really forceful.

What does the second half of the record have to offer? Well, to what should be to the surprise of literally no-one, it’s more thrashy goodness. Firstly, Shameless Loser and an eye-watering level of speeding intensity. Secondly, Consumed and the section of the track that has a slower, meatier vibe which puts a nice gurn on the face. Thirdly, Haunted and its moody, melodically charged sound. Thrasherwolf changing up the tone with this latter track, which some will love and others hate. Either way, it grabs the attention tightly and still delivers plenty of heft.

It’s nice to hear a bit of variety in their sound too, even if the ultimate takeaway of this album is that it’s a thrash record through and through. Case in point being the finale, the title track, which finds Thrasherwolf leaning into any and all expectations for a thrilling blast of pure head banging heavy gold. Thrash as it always has been and always will be. Thrasherwolf have delivered a seriously solid release again.

Thrasherwolf – Inside the Sickened Mind Track Listing:

1. Final Act of Aggression
2. G.B.H (Gratuitous Bodily Harm)
3. Hanging House
4. Scream till Death
5. Shameless Loser
6. Consumed
7. Haunted
8. Inside the Sickened Mind

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