Retroactive Records has annouce the signing of Italian thrash/power metal band BOARDERS, for the release of their album The World Hates Me, scheduled for a January 2009 release.

Says the label:

A band that can trace its history back to the late eighties, Boarders presents a unique melding of the aggressive and melodic that draws extensively from the musical trends of the decade in question.

And nowhere is that more evident than in the groups thrash heavy material in that 'Schmertzgarten', 'Deliver You Back To Hell', 'For What It's Worth' and 'W.P.D.' all deliver a sound certain to garner the interest of those into MEGADETH, METALLICA, TOURNIQUET and old school DELIVERANCE.

As a matter of fact, Boarders once gained renown in Italy - back in their pre-Christian days - as a Megadeth cover band; hence, the inclusion of the old Megadeth song 'In My Darkest Hour' (off So Far, So Good, So What) makes perfect sense. A more melodic aspect to the bands songwriting skills, on the other hand, can be found in the straightforward metal and hard rock direction taken on 'True Rebellion', 'Baptized With Fire' and 'Jump For Joy'. Fast, energetic and catchy, these are three up-tempo numbers that bring to mind BRIDE (both late eighties and early nineties era), IRON MAIDEN, BARREN CROSS and SACRED WARRIOR.

To say that lead vocalist Egi owns a set of pipes would be an understatement. While staying mostly in mid-octave territory with a vocal style that is equal parts clean and equal parts gritty, he adds a harsh element to his delivery on 'Deliver You Back To Hell' and even mixes in some extreme growling on 'For What It's Worth'. On 'Never Alone', in contrast, he smoothes things out with a more refined side to his vocal skills and adds some high pitched falsettos on 'W.P.D.'.

Lead guitarist Gigi proves every bit as much a talent, combining with Egi on rhythm guitar to contribute the albums catchy guitar riffs - some faster and more up-tempo and others slower but heavier - while furnishing its scorching lead guitar. The albums low end, at the same time, makes its presence felt as well. Give credit to Oscar and Roby for joining an excess of pronounced bass lines with a pummeling drum sound to put in place a rhythm section that is nothing less than monstrous.

The trackisting: 'True Rebellion', 'Baptized With Fire', 'Schmertzgarten', 'Never Alone', 'In My Darkest Hour', 'Jump For Joy', 'For What It's Worth', Deliver You Back To Hell', W.P.D., Till Life Do Us One)', The World Hates Me'.

More on Boarders at their MySpace page.