CD Review: Wreck-Defy - Remnants Of Pain (Thrash, 2019)

Nothing had been announced before the release. Now Aaron Randall (vocals, ex-Annihilator) and Greg Christian (Bass, ex-Testament) both return to the scene with a oldschool thrash format that added all evolutional steps until today with it and also leaves room for cool moments and atmosphere.

The album cover tells us that some oldschool-vibe can be found inside of the package

Summary
This means that the songs are build up the way you are used to from your classics but some small pieces signalise that few but important parts changed for the better. First off the vocals rip it up. I love to hear what Aaron Randall can do with his voice. He's going on it the agressive way. Forget the commercial vox you've heard of him before. This one is real thrash all the way.

As for the all of the guitars and drums: they go a far more powerfull direction on this one. That's the modern parts I spoke of before. The whole album blows out the pure strength the musicians put inside of it. Today more of this can be captured than ever before. The producer Juan Urteaga did a great job on "Remnants Of Pain". This is raw energy going all the full album duration.

This goes especially for the drums. They are held a overall lighter way soundwise yet they give a heavy hitting note while listening.

Some tracks go a cool direction and a bit apart from the fast thrash blowing notes. "Art Of Addiction" is a groove-oriented one that share's a little easier feeling yet it's still thrashing stuff. Similar goes for "The Devide", a midtempo thrasher which sources much of it's fun through it's going straight all the way with a direct riff.  "Angels and Demons" also comes out of the speakers in a mixed way. Some parts are lighter while other times the riffs dominante, all packed in a more midtempo style.

All in all I would highly recommend this to all the thrashers out there. You'll get a lot of fun out of this one. While it's easy to quickly get into the sound of the CD it also leaves enough room for re-listening and discoveries afterwards. It's well worth your money and time.

Purchase-Link and Pre-Listening
"Remnants Of Pain" is sold the oldschool way on a CD with the typical look of such a thrash record (frontcover plus black backside with tracklist on it). You can order directly from Wreck-Defy via Facebook. One CD comes around for $15 CAD plus shipping and handling. If you're lucky enough you may receive it along with a free bumper sticker.

If you need to have it faster then there's the chance to pick up a download of the album through Bandcamp in a format of your choice. This means you can have the files at the same quality level like on a CD or in any other format that you prefer for mobile listening nearly instantly. Listen to the album right here.

Let's speak with...Angerhead (2016)

The thrash metal genre is exploding these days. We see a lot of bands coming and some of them go in a more traditional direction while others seem to bring in some fresh elements or songwriting structures in their music.

Angerhead caught my attention through their straight forward mentality. Their songs kick in straight all on it and don't leave room for any discussion or soft notes - they make it completly clear who's playing from start to finish.

So as much as their newest output "Fueled by rage" made me bang my head as much was I eager to know how the guys would react to some questions. Read on and get to know what's on the band's mind when it comes to topics such as their search for a record label, inspiration for lyrics, how the mood and community feeling is like at a Bay Area show is and what can happen when you play a gig at a party and decide to have a drink or two...

The cover of the "Fueled By Rage EP", (c) by Angerhead, used with kind permission

Heavy Metal Underdogs: How did the band come together?

Angerhead: Paul and I (Eric) met at a Green Jelly show. I was opening the show in my other band. My vocalist had a high voice and i was looking for more of a growler. We decided to meet up the following week. Within 15 seconds of hearing him sing over some songs I had recorded I knew we had something.

Which sources do you use as inspiration for writing new songs?

Musically, it has to be heavy and powerful. I believe lyrically we always like to write about current messed up events or something that has irked us for a while.

Do you feel that writing and performing music helps you to push on further with your own personal lives?

We love to play and write. It's really breaks up the monotony of real life, work and all. We especially love to play the tunes live, in front of people. The heavy, loud music pumping people up is addicting.


Social media surely plays a big role in the communication between a band and their fans. Do you feel that fans contact you more or less personally at gigs these days?

We have a pretty constant and steady influx of friends and fans who come to our shows. Its a metal community in the Bay Area and everyone supports each others bands. Its really cool when we play shows and we get the local metal community coming out every time to see us play. It really is humbling.

Do you still prefer releasing music on traditional media like LPs, CDs and the like or do you feel the same satisfaction when putting out music digitally?

Since we have given out our music pretty much from day one, any way to reach a new fan is the right way. However, now we are looking to possibly sign a record deal, we have to back off with the free music to see where that goes. If we sign, then there will be push for people to buy the record. We plan on putting a lot of cool stuff inside the record so the fans will have something more that just the music when they buy it.

Have you ever experimented with other styles over the years and thought about changing?

Not really. We know what we do, and we know what we like. We are Angerhead. Thrash Metal Punk. It will stay that way.

Bandpicture from Angerhead, (c) by Angerhead, used with kind permission

Did you come along points where you thought about leaving it all behind? If you reached that point: how did you keep the motivation up to move on?

It happens from time to time. Its a lot of work keeping a band together. We have been through 3 drummers and this is our second bassist. I feel that this is the most solid lineup. When I'm feeling like giving up, I usually call Paul and he centers me again. I try to think about the live shows and the fans, that usually makes me realize I love it and don't want it to end.

What was the funniest story that came along your way when you performed live? Or did things happen that you would have never thought of to occur (not only at gigs but maybe anywhere else as well)?

Our last show, Paul got pretty buzzed. He never does that. It was hilarious because he was behind the music. It was a party and they had some really good, potent beer. Hey, this is metal and that was a fun party, so we just rolled with it.

Contact Data

Finally don't hesitate to get in touch with the band using their website or Facebook.

Angerheads band logo, (c) by Angerhead, used with kind permission

 

CD Review: Angerhead - Fueled By Rage EP (2016)

A oldschool thrash EP with slightly mixed in elements of other styles such as hardcore and classic metal. If you prefer your metal heavy and brutal like in the old days when thrash was directly going all on it without any ado then this recording is all for you.

Short Introduction

Angerhead is a San Jose, California based band that was started in February 2011 by Guitarist Eric Beard (Dr.Chunk, Xzanthus) and Vocalist Paul Hastey (Plaster), who expertly blend elements of Bay Area Thrash, Metal, Punk and Hardcore into the music they write.The band is rounded out by Bassist Jim Pegram (Mudface, Imagika, Skinner) and drummer David O'Neal (Stormy Strong).

In 2013, Angerhead went in the studio and recorded a 3 song EP, which featured the title track "Angerhead" with Paul sharing vocal duties with Steve "Zetro" Souza (Exodus, Hatriot).

In 2014, they entered the studio once again, this time with Juan Urteaga (Machine Head, Testament) and recorded the "Headful of Hate" 4 song Ep which has gained the bands even more fans.

2016 sees the band releasing their new new 5 song "Fueled by Rage" EP, once again with Juan Urteaga at the helm. The EP is currently available for free download from the band's Reverbnation page.

The cover of the "Fueled By Rage EP", (c) by Angerhead, used with kind permission

Summary

This EP comes directly to the point. No long debate, no questioning around - Angerhead are going in straight and make CLEAR what's on their mind. This is one of the kind recordings that fits best when you're filled with agression and negativity and need to let go of it. "Fueled By Rage" will help you to do so.

Sometimes in all the heavyness you'll witness potions that are mixed in of other styles of the heavy genre. But those elements are few and perfectly fit to the track. There is some variation in on this EP, it's not all just fast forward. So in all the obvious brutality that is perfectly expressed by the vocals and the heavy production you'll always have spots to discover. That's something that's not easy to get by. You need some rounds to come around all of those diamonds mixed in. Not many records out there have this.

For instance "So cold" obviously is a very heavy and straight number but the refrain is set in a bit slower form and tonality and gives some variation into the number. "Face the fear" is another good example for this. Typically direct to the point but the track is a bit more relaxed in it's structure and the refrain well worked into the way the hole song is build upon. The package is greatly rounded by a proper cover of Motörheads "Iron Fist" in Angerheads own formula - very cool yet very faithfull to the original.

Player / Purchase Link

It's a little sensation: a band put's out a brand new EP and gives it away for free as a download. It's hard to believe. I remember times where stuff like this one was up for purchase and it was the normal way to buy it if you wanted to own a copy. So without any further ado here's the link to Reverbnation where you can get your free download or stream the whole mini album directly from the player below.
Maybe you can reward the band with buying some merch or going to one of their shows. Remember that music needs your support to survive - it's your vote that counts.

Contact Data 

Stay in touch with the band by having a look on their homepage from time to time or let yourselves notify through Facebook about news from the band. 

Angerhead offer free download and insight from upcoming EP

How will things continue in the thrash sector in the upcoming months? The year is still young and for sure you thrash metal heads out there can't wait for brand new stuff to check out. :-)

Angerhead who are based in San Jose are currently working on their next EP with Juan Urteaga who is well known for his work with legends such as Machine Head and Testament. The output will be entitled "Fueled by Rage" and the band has released a nice preview into the record these days along with a free download of the Motörhead classic "Iron Fist" which will be part of the EP.

The cover of the upcoming EP "Fueled By Rage", (c) by Angerhead, used with kind permission

Angerhead guitarist Eric Beard previews the tracks of "Fueled by Rage" in a breakdown for each song:

"We decided to go back in with Juan Urteaga (Machine Head, Testament) for the new EP. He worked with us on our 2nd EP “Headful Of Hate”. Juan is metal through and through. He has worked with a lot of Bay Area bands and friends so its a good fit for us.

The EP starts out with "So Cold". This is probably our most sludgy song and also the last song in our live set. Downtuned, full of twists and turns, It is a definitely crowd pleaser and is heavy as fk!

The second song is one of oldest song I’ve written, "Face The Fear". The song has been a staple with me for a long time. I've done it in a few different ways and with other projects. I've even done it with a jazz feel and the song still holds up!! haha. I really enjoy the Angerhead version of it.

The 3rd song is called "Legacy of Hate". This is the longest song we’ve ever written. It was one that came together fully as a band and one of the favorites of the new EP.

The 4th song is "Take Me As I Am" and its a barnburner, kicks your ass from start to finish.

The Last song on the EP is a cover of Motorhead’s "Iron Fist". Paul and I loved this song, even before Ace of Spades when we were growing up, so we decided it was right. We have been seeing a lot of bands doing Ace Of Spades and wanted to do something different. RIP Lemmy. A True Legend!!"

You can download the track for free right here.

Make sure to stay in touch with the band about the upcoming release through their official Angerhead website and Facebook page.

For all streaming fans here's the Reverbnation player with the song: