ARTILLERY – Legions

Well next up is Danish thrasher ARTILLERY with their latest release, now ARTILLERY have been around since 1982, however they have split up twice and reformed twice and they have been the most active since they reformed the second time as in this period they have released 4 albums including “Legions” which am going to review for you now. Previously to this in 11 active years together they only released 3 albums, so back in the day they weren’t the most productive band. I had heard of ARTILLERY and the only album I had listened to previously was “B.A.C.K.” which was the only album they released when they reformed for the first time.

 

I will start straight away and say that this album is a bit of a grower…after the first 3 listens I wasn’t overall impressed with the album. Don’t get me wrong ARTILLERY can write some really good thrash songs and the new vocalist is more of NWOBHM singer than a traditional thrash singer, but his voice goes really well with the songs. However the songs just don’t grab the listener and stay with you after they have finished, they are good but just not memorable. I don’t know why I just cant place why and the album is a little tedious when listened to in one go and is better listened to a few songs at a time.

 

Now ARTILLERY play some good old thrash and they strive to add a modern twist to the genre, which is a good thing as thrash cant survive if no one is willing to drag it forward. The riffs are catchy and they remain this way even when they up the tempo and musically ARTILLERY are tight and play really well. The Rhythm section play really tight and are in sync with each other and they really shine when they slow the pace down and make it heavy, but also exceed when the speed is let loose and still precise. However I don’t know what it is but something is just missing from this release and I cant put my finger on it.

 

 

Songs like “Global Flatline” and “Enslaved to the Nether” start off slow and heavy before brutally punishing the listener and songs like “Dies Irae” and “Anno Requiem” are fast old school thrash straight from the outset.

 

‘Legions’ is a solid thrash album and will be welcomed by fans of ARTILLERY and thrash, however it just doesn’t really bring anything really new to the genre and overall the album when listened to in its entirety is a little tedious. However if you listen to a few songs at a time then the songs are quite good.

SCORE – 7

 

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ALBUM INFO

BAND: Artillery

ALBUM: Legions

LABEL: Metal Blade

RELEASE DATE: 26^th November 2013

 

TRACK LISTING:

1… Chill My Bones (Burn My Flesh)

2… God Feather

3… Legions

4… Wardrum Heartbeat

5… Global Flatline

6… Dies Irae

7… Anno Requiem

8… Enslaved to the Nether

9… Doctor Evil

10… Ethos of Wrath

 

TRACKS TO DOWNLOAD – “Chill My Bones (Burn My Flesh)”, “Global Flatline” & “Dies Irae”

 

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