Vicious Rumors – Concussion Protocol – CD Review

6th July 2016 0 By Jon Deaux

37 years on & Vicious Rumors can still put one hell of an album out & are just as relevant now as they were when they released their first album Soldiers of the Night back in 1985. This is their 12th studio album but 17th over all (if you consider the live albums).

Concussion Protocol marks Nick Hollemans 2nd studio album with VR & his range & delivery has increased exponentially. From death growl to gritty, melodic to a falsetto that even King Diamond would be proud of.

Geoff Thorpe shreds more than a cheese grater. The solo on 1000 Years rivals the shreddage on Digital Dictator from their 1988 album of the same name.

Larry Howe (drums), Thaen Rasmussen (guitar), Tilen Hudrap (bass) are tighter than a nuns chuff on this record. They gel really well together & is no more evident than on the track Chasing the Priest

One thing I have always liked about Vicious Rumors is their ability to play any style & still make it sound as crushing as they can. Even the balladesque track Circle of Secrets manages to make ears bleed.

The highlight for me comes in the form of the final track, Life for a Life (which I am hoping will be in the live set). It’s a perfect track & the strangest thing Vicious Rumors have ever recorded. It’s psychedelic in nature & chugs with the conviction of a steam engine. Geoff plays some of the best leads of his life. Nothing flashy or over played. Just very Geoff.

There’s not a dull moment on this album & is quite possibly their strongest album to date.

Due for release via Steamhammer/SPV August 26th
Format: CD Packaging: DigiPak + Poster Format: 2LP + CD Packaging: Gatefold, 180 g, printed inner sleeves, CD in paper sleeve, red vinyl

Track List:
1. Concussion Protocol
2. Chemical Slaves
3. Victims Of A Digital World
4. Chasing The Priest
5. Last Of Our Kind
6. 1000 Years
7. Circle Of Secrets
8. Take It Or Leave It
9. Bastards
10. Every Blessing Is A Curse
11. Life For A Life