Xentrix – For Whose Advantage / Kin (Re-Issues)
Xentrix – For Whose Advantage / Kin (Re-Issues)
Cherry Red Records
Release Date: 22/04/22
Running Time: 01:16:00 (FWA) 01:02:00 (Kin)
Review by Paul Hutchings
8/10
Having released their debut Shattered Existence in 1989, Xentrix wasted little time in getting sophomore album “For Whose Advantage” out, which cemented their position in the UK Thrash big 4 alongside Acid Reign, Onslaught and Sabbat. A UK tour support slot with Bay Area behemoths Testament had focused attention and “For Whose Advantage” demonstrated the progression the band were making.
To promote “For Whose Advantage”, the band toured with Skyclad as well as picking up slots with Slayer and Sepultura. It’s an album that shows a maturity in song-writing and technical playing, whilst still retaining that American feel. There is still plenty of links to the style of Metallica – listen to the title track and then ‘The Shortest Straw’ for an example, but there was enough separation to allow Xentrix to form their own sound.
It kicks off in fine style, with ‘Questions’ and the title track bringing the first two slabs of thrash to the fore. Lyrically the band asked questions about society in general. ‘The Human Condition’ is a prime candidate. It’s organic, assured and flows nicely whilst retaining an edge that Thrash at the time was just starting to lose.
The tracks are well-paced, solidly delivered with Astley’s vocals carrying a slightly raspy manner, which still works well when listening today. Although there was a definite formula in the band’s writing, they were able to vary things a bit with ‘The Bitter End’ a slower, thicker riffed track that moved the band away from the relentless Thrash attack and into a more melancholic, yet no less angry outfit. Xentrix also had the confidence to throw in a gentle acoustic interlude in ‘New Beginnings’ which helped break up the album. The second half shows no sign of slowing, with fan favourite ‘Kept in the Dark’ probably the standout track although the frantic cover of Gillan’s ‘Running White Face City Boy’ can’t compete with the real thing.
Whilst the original release contained ten songs, this reissue gets the bonus treatment, with the inclusion of 1991’s “Dilute To Taste” EP bulking this package to a whooping 76 minutes and 16 tracks in total. As well as a couple of studio recordings, the inclusion of four live tracks shows the power of the band at their peak, albeit with the inevitable cover of ‘Ghostbusters’ in the mix as well. “For Whose Advantage” stands tall and proud today, and for me is one of the strongest UK Thrash albums of the time.
It was perhaps inevitable that as the fashions and tastes changed in the world of metal in the early 90’s that Xentrix would tweak their sound a little. 1992’s “Kin”, the band’s third release retained some of the band’s Thrash roots, but moved to a more Progressive sound with slower, more commercial sounding tracks. Given that Metallica (yes, back to them again) had not long released the massive “Black” album, it’s understandable. One listen to the likes of ‘Release’ and ‘See Through You’ you’ll see why the comparisons were made at the time. Brooding, atmospheric and with a much more Power Metal approach in part, the band themselves in retrospect consider the album’s change in direction to be their biggest mistake.
Listening to it again today, there is still plenty to enjoy. It’s not as aggressive as the first two records, but the musicianship remains tight, album opener ‘Order of Chaos’ remains a tune and if you can step away from the unavoidable Metallica comparisons, in particular Astley’s Hetfield lite vocals, then there are some gems hidden away. You just need to work a bit harder to find them.
The repackaged version includes four bonus tracks including a cover of Teardrop Explodes ‘Reward’, which doesn’t add much to the original alongside three demos which were planned for the fourth album with Roadrunner which of course, never materialised. “Kin” isn’t a bad album, but it pales against its predecessors. However, with new packaging and liner notes as well as some solid remastering, these two releases are perfect for both the avid fan and those who may not have them in their collection.
TRACKLISTING:
For Whose Advantage
01. Questions
02. For Whose Advantage?
03. The Human Condition
04. False Ideals
05. The Bitter End
06. New Beginnings
07. Desperate Remedies
08. Kept In The Dark
09. Black Embrace
10. Running White Faced City Boy
11. Pure Thought
12. Shadows Of Doubt
13. Balance Of Power (live)
14. Kept In The Dark (live)
15. Crimes (live)
16. Ghostbusters (live)
Kin
01. The Order Of Chaos
02. A Friend To You
03. All Bleed Red
04. No More Time
05. Waiting
06. Come Tomorrow
07. Release
08. See Through You
09. Another Day
10. Reward
11. Never Be (Demo)
12. The Hand That Feeds Itself (Demo)
13. Silence (Demo
LINE-UP:
Kristian Havard – Lead Guitar
Dennis Gasser – Drums
Chris Astley – Vocals, rhythm Guitar
Paul McKenzie – Bass
LINKS:
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