Southern California thrash titans Warbringer return with Wrath And Ruin, an album that not only upholds their legacy of breakneck intensity but also pushes their sound into darker, more refined territory.
Warbringer – Wrath And Ruin (Napalm Records)
Release Date: 14 March 2025
Words: Ash Nash
Following the success of Weapons Of Tomorrow, which cemented their place among the modern Thrash Metal elite, Wrath And Ruin takes a more dynamic approach, balancing blistering speed with sinister atmospheres and intricate songwriting.
From the very first moments of The Sword And The Cross, Warbringer make it clear that they have lost none of their fire. The track erupts in a whirlwind of razor-sharp riffing and Carlos Cruz’s relentless drumming, setting the stage for A Better World, which combines high-speed devastation with thought-provoking lyricism.
It is a natural successor to Firepower Kills, delivering the same level of intensity but with a refined melodic edge. Neuromancer slows the pace slightly, riding a hypnotic wave of tremolo-picked melodies and double-bass assaults, while The Jackhammer lives up to its name, battering the senses with pit-ready aggression.
Where Weapons Of Tomorrow was a masterclass in sheer velocity, Wrath And Ruin embraces a more ominous, layered approach. Through A Glass, Darkly drenches the listener in haunting chord progressions and harmonised leads, evoking a sinister grandeur that contrasts with Warbringer’s usual Thrash mayhem.
Meanwhile, Cage Of Air stands as one of the album’s most ambitious tracks, weaving atmospheric tension into an explosive climax of duelling guitars and Kevill’s commanding, venomous snarl.
The album closes with The Last Of My Kind, a brooding, grand finale that blends syncopated melodies with tightly executed melodic Death Metal flourishes, reminiscent of Glorious End but even more epic in scope.
Lyrically, Wrath And Ruin is among Warbringer’s most ambitious works, tackling themes of artificial intelligence, free will, imperialism, and class struggle with a narrative depth that enhances the album’s impact.
John Kevill’s delivery remains one of the most distinct voices in modern thrash, his war-cry vocals carrying the weight of the album’s dystopian themes.
If Weapons Of Tomorrow was an all-out sonic assault, Wrath And Ruin refines that fury, adding layers of atmosphere and technical brilliance that elevate it beyond just another Thrash record.
Fans won’t have to wait long to experience the chaos live. Warbringer are set to bring Wrath And Ruin to the stage at this year’s Incineration Festival in London, an ideal battleground for their explosive sound. If their past performances are any indication, expect nothing less than a full-scale Thrash onslaught.
With Wrath And Ruin, Warbringer once again prove why they remain at the forefront of modern Thrash. This is an album that feels both classic and forward-thinking, blending raw power with a sharpened sense of melody and atmosphere.
Whether you have been following the band since Waking Into Nightmares or are just discovering them now, this is a must-listen. Warbringer are back, and they are more powerful than ever.
