Californian thrash titans WARBRINGER have arguably become one the most successful outfits to surface from the arrival of the “New Wave”. They’ve enjoyed a particularly hot streak of releases with 2017’s Woe To The Vanquished and 2020’s Weapons Of Tomorrow regarded as their finest work to date. Unfortunately COVID halted their opportunities to reap the benefits of this out on the road but are locked and loaded in anticipation of some lengthy touring in support of impending full length Wrath And Ruin which is due for release on March 14th via Napalm Records.
The Sword And The Cross commences with ominous grooves before slamming its foot to the floor, bursting out of the gates with swift riffing and the signature snarl of frontman John Kevill. As the narrative unfolds you witness the comparisons between historical instances of pillaging and the present upper class hording wealth and resources with little regard for those less fortunate. A damning and impactful opening statement.
A Better World treads an equally doom-laden path but from a first person perspective inspired by Kevill‘s recent struggles with depression. The lyrics “I swallow prescriptions cause the problem is me” will undoubtedly resonate with many listeners as they are suitably accompanied by dark, aggressive instrumentation. Neuromancer opens with enticing bass lines and snappy drum fills as plentiful hooks lure you in. Impressive solo trade-offs are expertly executed, amplifying the energetic soundscape.
The Jackhammer ups the ante with waves of rapid-fire riff sequences and feverish drum beats. If you want to send a live crowd into a wild frenzy, this is certainly the track to do it. Inspired by World War II general, George Patton, Through A Glass, Darkly opts for a more contemplative, melodic approach. The dramatic tone and captivating prose firmly grasps your gaze as a brilliantly constructed lead segment neatly tops off this epic. Strike From The Sky surges forth with unstoppable momentum. Addictive riffs and maniacal vocal bursts inject a sudden rush of adrenaline.
Cage Of Air comes hurtling into view as crushing blast beats cause considerable destruction. Once more the lyrical content provides a lot of food for thought with evocative lines such as “I see no walls around me, but the bars are always there” focusing on the evident lack of free will that we actually possess. It also offers another glimpse into Kevill‘s personal life with his decision to leave the city life behind him and in an attempt to achieve some semblance of peace. A devilish blackened tinge also makes its presence felt towards the latter stages. The Last Of My Kind is equally as vicious, armed with cries of defiance and an unbreakable will to stand up for what is just. An invigorating and inspirational end to this poignant journey.
WARBRINGER have never shied away from tackling the pressing topics that plague the world, Wrath And Ruin follows suit with its brutal honesty and stark sense of realism regarding the everyday challenges we must all face and may continue to endure. Cleverly wrapping this narrative around an explosive array of scintillating thrash metal in a way that gets your blood pumping and effortlessly engages your brain is what elevates them above their peers.
Rating: 9/10
Wrath And Ruin is set for release on March 14th via Napalm Records
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