Species – To Find Deliverance
Species – To Find Deliverance
Awakening Records
Release Date: 26/08/22
Running Time: 44:00
Review by Paul Hutchings
8/10
Formed in Warsaw, Poland, “To Find Deliverance” is the band’s debut album, and follows their sole EP, “The Monument of Envy,” released in 2018.
Unashamedly wearing the Thrash badge on the leather jacket, Polish trio Species bring something a little more to the table than many of their peers. Opening with ‘Rare Signals’, a traditional placed intro, it is the first full track ‘Parasite’ that grabs the attention. Drawn to the intricate musicianship, there’s a technical feel to Species that sits with the more detailed and complex Thrash bands. It’s a feeling that lingers throughout the album.
The roots of Species sit somewhere between Slayer and Voivod. The intensity of the Los Angeles legends is evident in all the tracks, particularly ‘Falls the Tower,’ which is a more routine Thrash track. ‘The Monument of Envy’ demonstrates the confidence of the band, complex patterns and subtle flicks adding quality, sublime synths add texture although the song suffers from one of the worst fade outs I’ve heard for a long time.
‘Malfunction’ brings a change in direction, with an instrumental that flips from traditional Metal to heads down thrash to a Jazz Fusion breakdown which is a definite curve ball but shows that Species are not afraid to experiment. Excellent Thrash vibes surge through ‘They Name is Slaughter’ with Drobina’s vocals, which grated a little to begin with, now warming despite their rawness. His barked delivery fits the ferocity of the song writing and ‘Thy Name is Slaughter.’ As a unit they are tight, with the Iron Maiden gallop halfway through showing the influence of the UK’s top dogs on the band, albeit briefly. Similarly, the segue into a calmer segment works well and provides more complexity and creativity to the music.
The true extent of Species’ ambition is realised in the epic final track, ‘Ex Machina.’ A sprawling 11-minute song that ebbs and flows through a sonic soundscape that slowly builds into a majestic piece of music. Throwing this in on a debut album shows the confidence of the band and their technical ability. It’s a Progressive tinged thrasher, with ample melody that provides a real find. If you don’t find yourself nodding along to this whilst appreciating the quality on offer, you really shouldn’t be listening to Metal.
“To Find Deliverance” is an album that grows on every listen. It’s a solid and impressive debut and one that puts the Poles right on the radar for the future.
‘Parasite’ Official Audio
TRACKLISTING:
01. Rare Signals
02. Parasite
03. Falls the Tower
04. The Monument of Envy
05. Malfunction
06. Thy Name is Slaughter
07. Deus
08. Ex Machina
LINE-UP:
Prezemyslaw Hampelshi – Drums
Michael Kepka – Guitar
Piotr Drobina – Vocals, Bass
LINKS:
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