Sauron

Thrash Assault

Blackened Moon 2004
 

For some reason I just can't get enough of all of this modern black thrash.  Maybe it is me have an old school nostalgic now that I am 30.  So when I got this Sauron Cd I was in Aural heaven.  With a title called Thrash Assault it wasn't a mystery what kind of music I would be hearing.  And a Thrash Assault it is.  The music runs at a very rapid pace through virtually the entire album.  Very seldomly does a band wear their influences so blatantly on their sleeve but Sauron obviously has heard old Kreator once or twice.  They even do a spirited cover of my favorite Kreator song, Total Death.  This album differs very much from what is coming out of other thrash revival scenes these days because this is completely old school with virtually no modern influences.  Another thing I love about Sauron is their tasteful use of guitar solos.  It really enhances the overall flow of the song rather than distracting from what is going on beneath it.  Thrash 'Til Death has a Slayer-esque solo whereas the one found on Thrash Assault is an inviting melodic treat.  And I love the drumming breakdown right after the solo ends.  Man that is killer!!!!  But my favorite on this album is Tormentor and its triumphant main riff and the blistering solo that melts into some interesting stop and start breaks that vary in style and focus only to burst into another hammering solo.  The production on here is filthy just like that of the early German scene on the first Destruction, Sodom, and Kreator albums.  The whole atmosphere on this album is was one of energetic focus but it still remains loose and relaxed without being sloppy.  I would have to say I find this incredibly enjoyable and can listen to this album without being in any certain mood except for a metal one.  An Old school assault that recalls a bygone era with a sense of intensity and freshness.  I can't wait to hear more.