Seven years in the laboratory, Control/Resist has now come to life. At the band’s core is the collaboration between Croatian-based guitarist Alex Hellenbach and Fear Factory/Malignancy drummer Mike Heller. The duo’s modern idea of a band in this technology-savvy world pushes the envelope on its debut, four-track EP, Gods By Design. The project incorporates artists from all over the world and it was recorded in various studios around the globe. The four thrash-infused tracks possess an old-school urgency with a modern delivery on Control/Resist’s first collaborative installment that also features performances by Tim Aymar (Control Denied, Pharaoh), Jason McMaster (Watchtower, Dangerous Toys), James Paul Luna (Holy Grail), Vincent Levalois (Prototype, Psychosis) and session bassist Petar Makar.

“Darkness Owns Your Soul” proves to be a great opener, containing precision-like riffing that gains momentum as the song progresses. Heller’s well-timed and consistent drumming, combined with Aymar’s soaring falsetto wails are highlights of the track. “TCE” is an example of how US power metal, progressive and technical thrash metal should be performed. “Deceived” furthers that notion with its consistent pace, decent variation and transitional riffs. CD-closer “Evolution Digitized” is a great way to end this EP. Its melodic thrashing explodes like a canon, while Heller furiously flails all around his drum kit. Control/Resist seem to be on to something big here and I can’t wait for the next installment. At only four tracks, Gods By Design will leave you wanting more.