Album Review: Algebra – Chiroptera (Unspeakable Axe Records)

Swiss thrashers Algebra will release Chiroptera, their fourth full-length album, on September 19th, 2022, on CD and digital formats via Unspeakable Axe Records.

Combining the flavour of old-school thrash with chunks of progressive flair and the spice of extreme, Algebra delivers a hearty dish of metal with their new album, Chiroptera. Where the order of the day is a side of fierce head-banging.

As dependable as ever, Algebra aren’t looking to change the world with this new beastly offering but they are setting it on fire. Thanks to their ferocious attack of thrash, akin to a flamethrower, they make the inferno seem all too easy to ignite. Yet, for all their heavy qualities, there are plenty of moments during Chiroptera where the direction isn’t as predictable as it first seems. Testament to Algebra’s longevity really as it’s these touches that makes the album all the more thrilling.

Something that rings truer, the longer it goes on and the more the listener experiences the contrast of straight-forward thrashing and intriguing heavy metal alterations. From the brutish stomp and shout of Resuscitation to the mayhem caused by Kleptomaniac. To the old-school lashing dished out by Suspect, the manic explosivity of Burn the Bridge and the thrill ride of thrash heaviness that is The Great Deception.

A selection of quality from an album packed with it. At no point is it ever boring and the 11 tracks blaze by in a blur. A blur of head-banging and mosh-pitting. Algebra’s non-nonsense approach serves them well and there is no denying that for all its old-school vibes, this is a modern take on differing thrash and metal elements.

Banging.

Algebra – Chiroptera Full Track Listing:

1. The Fallen
2. Resuscitation
3. Kleptomaniac
4. Constricted
5. Accomplice
6. Chiroptera
7. Suspect
8. Eternal Sleep
9. Losing Touch
10. Burn the Bridge
11. The Great Deception

Links

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