To begin with, it would be appropriate to inform you of this reviewer’s rabid devotion in matters pertaining to teutonic thrash metal. The mere mention of the likes of Destruction, Kreator & Sodom (Hagel das heilige Dreiheit!!) and their lesser known but almost equally awesome counterparts such as Protector, Exumer, Holy Moses & Rage reduces me to a drooling, headbanging mess of fanboy-ism. And oh, the folks across the pond from a place called Bay Area aren’t half bad either.
However, my fidelity wavers slightly towards the German side of the proceedings owing to the fact that while US thrash has largely fallen into the trappings of a crowded scene and/or wimping out of the pioneers since the early ‘90s, the German version has more or less stayed true to it’s “WORSHIP VENOM, JA!!” formula to day, which ensures that Sodom are releasing an album like their 2006 S/T which is not substantially far in intensity or raging CONVICTION from Persecution Mania or Obsessed By Cruelty.
Which brings us to the band under the microscope, Hammerwhore and more specifically, their self-titled full length studio debut released in 2005. This group of maniacs from Texas have taken a heartening penchant to ‘80s German thrash, mixing it with obvious influences from Bay Area metal. Not since Hypnosia released Extreme Hatred back in 2000 has a band released a thrash metal album that is almost entirely derivative but still managed to enrapture the listener in a wave of riff-a-licious furiousity. However, while Hypnosia drew commendably from the lasting legacy of Pleasure To Kill, Hammerwhore take the frenzied, urgent sloppiness of Sentence Of Death/Infernal Overkill era Destruction and paint it over a lush canvas of references ranging from Judas Priest to Nuclear Assault.
Musically, infectious, urgent, manic rhythm guitar driven goodness set to mosh-worthy tempo is the order of the day with vocalist/guitarist Joe Gonzales being the driving force. Joe’s vocals sound like a cross between early, spiteful Schmier and Baloff’s nasty snarl. They really don’t have too much talent with the lead guitar but seriously, if you want ripping solos (that’s a BAD newbie! I said thrash metal, you wanker!), go listen to Pharaoh. To draw a more contemporary parallel, Hammerwhore are like a more competent, grown up version of Toxic Holocaust, though with far less Brazilian thrash influences and better song structuring. Another plus point with Hammerwhore is the length of the songs. There is no misguided attempt to be epic on this album (a trend that even Exodus succumbed to, circa Shovel Headed Kill Machine), not even the least bit. All the songs are kept short, nasty and vicious, generally clocking in at the 2 and a half to 3 minute mark. Apart from the 11 songs on the album, there are also some bonus demo tracks which parade a superb In The Sign Of Evil-esque diabolical rawness. Lyrically, the band deals with such important matters as beating up people who don't listen to metal, drinking, wearing leather and beating up people who don't listen to metal with hammers while drinking and wearing leather.Yay, it's the fucking '80s again!!
Almost every song in the album is a winner, however, Evil Command with its Exodus meets Destruction savagery, Scream Bloody Rock ‘n Roll which exudes a highly Judas Priest-esque simplicity and Hammerwhore, flaunting a rabid Sentence of Death hangover are total stand-outs. Special mention goes to Long Live Metal in which Hammerwhore pay an ostensible tribute to Nuclear Assault’s frenzied thrash anthem Hang the Pope.
Hammerwhore is the kind of album you throw into your CD player, crank the volume upto fucking 10, drink a beer or 10 with your buddies and headbang your ass off to. There are absolutely no pretensions whatsoever. All this album offers you is unabashed, referential, in-your-fucking-face thrash metal and at doing that, this scores exceptionally well. Recommended highly for every thrash metal fan.
Year: 2005
Label: Witches Brew Records
Tracklisting:
1.Victim of Psycho-Toxin
2.Devotion to Violence
3.Heavy Metal Destroyers
4.Possessed by the Mosh
5.Long live Metal
6.Evil Command
7.Onward to Oblivion
8.Outlet of Lust
9.Mercy to None
10.Scream bloody Rock & Roll
11.Hammerwhore
Bonus Tracks:
12. Slave to Hell
13. Curse of the Living Dead
14. Loyal to War
15. Mercyless Brutality
16. Raise Hell
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