Skeletonwitch

While it’s gratifying to see bands like Slayer still doing excellent work, it’s even more fun to see a whole new generation of young, skilled, and enthusiastic bands spearheading the thrash revival. And while there’s plenty to be had these days with more purist groups like Warbringer and Municipal Waste, Skeletonwitch raises its game by incorporating various metal shadings into hyperactive thrash. Its debut, 2007’s Beyond The Permafrost, pumps the melodic proto-thrash of Diamond Head into devilish strains of death metal and Norwegian black metal, and 2009’sBreathing The Fire was a large step forward, with more riffs per song than most bands manage on a full album. All of which makes it even more impressive that the band’s latest, 2011’s Forever Abomination, is unquestionably its darkest, most face-melting work to date.

Updated 07/11/2012