EP Review: Vio-Lence – Let the World Burn (Metal Blade Records)

Formed in 1985, Oakland thrashers Vio-Lence helped define and refine what came to be known as the Bay Area sound, dropping three seminal albums before splitting in 1993. Leaving behind a heady legacy, they reformed briefly a couple of times in the intervening years before becoming a full-time going concern once more in 2019. After playing a string of successful shows, the quintet started to think about new music and in 2022 they deliver Let The World Burn, a five-song EP showcasing their first new material in 29 years, which delivers on the classic Vio-Lence sound.

Let the World Burn will be released on the 4th March 2022 via Metal Blade Records.

There’s nothing that Vio-Lence have to prove but that doesn’t mean they’re not going to go out of their way to show that their thrash sound is as important now as it was back in the mid-80s.

Their first new material in 29 years and the noise-mongers are bringing the fire with this 5-track EP. Old-school intense thrash noise, time hasn’t dampened their hunger for head-banging heaviness.

Uncomplicated and convincing, this is Vio-Lence snarling, raging, and fitting with aggression. Hyperactive and ferocious, the EP trundles along with thrash expectancy up until Upon Their Cross and it’s here that Vio-Lence really show what 29 years away has taught them. A banger of a track that will compel all who hear it to bang their heads into oblivion.

That’s not to suggest that everything else around this track is pedestrian, far from it. Rather, it’s thrash that feels familiar which for many, is akin to a warm blanket on a cold day. Flesh from Bone, Screaming Always, Gato Negro and the title track… all bouts of thrashing fury and blistering heaviness.

Vio-Lence – Let the World Burn Full Track Listing:

1. Flesh from Bone
2. Screaming Always
3. Upon Their Cross
4. Gato Negro
5. Let the World Burn

Links

Spotify | Facebook | Instagram | Metal Blade