It has not been the best year for Thrash Metal. Bright lights have included the phenomenal Acid Reign release Daze Of The Week, alongside the debut from Imperium. But there has been some right sketchy stuff as well. Athens thrash outfit Eternal do not do anything new whatsoever. But there is something about their debut release Conspiracy Of Warheads that, apart from the dreadful title, ticks many of the Thrash boxes for me.
Eternal – Conspiracy Of Warheads
Release Date: Out Now
Words: Paul Hutchings
Topics of war, political manipulation and the dark side of modern life have been classic themes for Thrash Metal bands for decades, and Eternal do this well.
In fact, they follow many of the Thrash blueprints, including the acoustic outro Madman’s Playground, which closes off the release, possibly in an unsatisfactory style because it is so mellow, despite its misleading title.
But back to the beginning, and the raging anthem My Way Or No Way kicks things off with a big boot stomping the mud hole. These are youngsters influenced by the Thrash Metal of the early ’80s, and they do not hide it for a minute.
From the Slayer and Exodus influences that they wear boldly on their sleeve, there is plenty here to sate the Thrash appetite, whilst for more grizzled veterans like me, flashes of potential between the heads down no-nonsense approach.
Self-production is not the easiest thing. But they have done a solid job, aided by some solid mastering by Nasos Nomikos (Annihilator, Rotting Christ, Warlord).
There are some tracks here that struggle. Adrenaline Rush is weaker than a newborn kitten. The vocals of Nick Pogas are stretched to the limit, and the limit is winning. Some of the solos are a little sharp on the ears, although there is plenty of good stuff as you explore this release.
But overall, there are some well-constructed and enthusiastic songs. Theatre Of War explodes in your face in true ’80s style and is representative of the energetic effort that the band have invested here.
With cover artwork that provides another retro finish, it is evident where Eternal sit. There is space here for development.
Can Eternal do that? Only time will tell. But for now, embrace an album that should come with hi-tops and cut-offs as standard.
Conspiracy Of Warheads is out now, via Floga Records. For more details, visit linktr.ee/eternal.thrash.
