Hydra Vein – Unlamented
Hydra Vein – Unlamented
Back on Black Records
Release Date: 21/10/22
Running Time: 39:00
Review by Paul Hutchings
7/10
Turn the clock back to 1987 and Brighton saw the arrival of Hydra Vein on the Thrash scene. “Rather Death Than False of Faith” in 1988 and its follow up “After the Dream” the following year. They split the year after, and it wasn’t until 2019 that Hydra Vein re-emerged. Today they have a much-changed line-up, with guitarist Danny Ranger the sole survivor. The band have relocated to the Netherlands, joined forces with new members and now are set to release Unlamented on the Thrash world.
With a range of diverse subjects in their cross hairs, the band bring a sharp on their subject matter, including the title track which covers missing children who are preyed upon across the world. Yes, Hydra Vein don’t shy away from the big topics, and they rightly don’t give a fuck who knows it.
“Unlamented” is a very solid Thrash album. It sits very much in the Solitary, Virus, Helgrind and Xentrix style of UK thrash, retaining the old school style but adding bits of sludge into a couple of the tracks. It’s fiery stuff, opening track ‘Does the End Justify the Means?’ rages violently, snarling vocals, intense guitar work and pummelling drumming combine to provide a visceral beast of an opener (ignoring the intro of course).
The title track, with its chilling social message is another driving beast, Damon Maddison’s throbbing bass lines and more razor-sharp guitar work stands out as one of the best tracks here. ‘Age of the Plague’ is no doubt a reflection of the past couple of years, and it moves at a rampaging pace, ironic given its subject matter but I like the lyrical theme of man’s hubris towards nature and the arrogance that consumes us all as a so-called superior being.
Manley-Bird’s vocals are impressive throughout. A deep-soaked gravelled roar that fits in with the onslaught that the triple guitar attack brings. The music is tight, ferocious, and fast. Tracks like ‘Blood Eagle Dawn’ and ‘Blue Lamp’ are muscular, powerful songs and the whole album knit together well. The only challenge which faces Hydra Vein, as is the case with many bands of the new Thrash genre, is to bring something to the table that is a little bit special. For whilst it is solid, “Unlamented” doesn’t really present anything that hundreds of bands are already doing. If you like listening to the same style of thrash repeatedly, then this album will slot in nicely. If you fancy something a little more challenging and progressive, then you may not find it here.
‘Age Of Plaque’ Official Lyric Video
TRACKLISTING:
01. Khuylo
02 Does the End Justify the Means?
03. Unlamented
04. Eradication Zone
05. Age of Plague
06. Blood Eagle Dawn
07. Blue lamp
08. Mano a Mano
09. Twighlight
LINE-UP:
Danny Ranger – Guitar
James Manley-Bird – Vocals
Damon Maddison – Bass
Jonas Voorspoels – Guitar
Henry Pol – Guitar
John den Buitelaar – Drums
LINKS:
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