HIRAX - Immortal Legacy
March 3, 2014, 10 years ago
(Steamhammer/SPV)
Like a blast from a canon, opening track ‘Black Smoke’ from HIRAX’s fifth full-length album, Immortal Legacy, explodes with an old-school, bludgeoning thrash attack. Hirax originated at the heart of the Bay Area thrash scene in the early eighties and they have managed to stay true to its roots on Immortal Legacy. On its 12 blistering tracks, it’s basically the same authentic thrash metal they’ve always played, just with better production. Vocalist and mainstay Katon W. De Pena hasn’t lost his unique vocal delivery, and the band’s infusion of punk, hardcore and crossover influences remain intact. From the cover art of iconic artist Philip Lawvere (KREATOR/CELTIC FROST) to the vibrant sound from legendary metal producer Bill Metoyer (SLAYER, et al), Immortal Legacy screams old school. Throughout the disc, guitarist Lance Harrison, joined by a few prolific guest guitarists such as Rocky George (SUICIDAL TENDENCIES), Juan Garcia (ABATTOIR, AGENT STEEL) and Jim Durkin (DARK ANGEL) pull off a plethora of tasty guitar solos. Immortal Legacy is traditional, old-school thrash metal at its finest; raw, unbridled, aggressive and fist-pumping excellent.
