Violated

Only Death Awaits
Duplicate Records 2009

Norway's latest thrash heroes steer clear of comparisons to their dirtier, rawer countrymates by tackling a style that is reminiscent of the glory days of the Bay Area thrash movement.  The album kicks off with Out of Focus which is anything but unfocussed.  Slayer-ish riffs are belted out rapid fire with deadly impact.  A robust sound with thick meaty guitars ensure that the riffs hit with maximum impact.  Hints of some hard rock undertones can be heard if you pay close attention but they are overwhelmed on this track by the massive drums and the mosh inducing rhythms.  The rock roots are more pronounced on Lack of Empathy, especially during the chorus.   A slower, groovier passage opens What You Give is What You Get.  An avalanche of double- bass drums periodically tumbles down upon the listener in between chunky Bay Area riffage.  The tempo and picks up slightly for the track's middle section with some catchy guitarwork that highlights a simple solo before the track slows back down in the latter day Slayer-esque groove again.  No Chance In Hell blends right into the preceding track and doesn't really stand on its own.  And this is sort of a problem for several of the songs, a blending into one another.  A soft acoustic guitar instrumental serves to calm the listener before the final assault of title-track.  A fat bass lays the groundwork for the insanely catchy and dynamic riffing that eviscerates as tempo changes continually puncture the listener like a merciless bayonet attack.  Though the music draws a lot from the Bay Area/Slayer sound, it has a really modern feel to it.  This is a double edged sword for Violated.  While looking back, it is also peering forward and therefor loses a little bit of its momentum in either direction.  Only Death Awaits is a solid slab of thrash that slays hard with old school riffage and a modern attitude.  Some stronger, more individual sounding songs will certainly help Violated grow and destroy with devastating effect.