Slow to the take up this fifth installment from revivalists Havok, It perhaps found me at the perfect time, an apatite Thrash Metal brewing and certainly satisfied as my recent spins of V have been nothing but fun and exciting! The faithful four piece outfit from Denver, Colorado tow a difficult line in resurrecting a style from the 80s with the glory of modern production. Originally is not their main aspiration but a consequence that could derail the vision. Subsequently they walk a tightrope in the shadow of great bands that came before, utilizing all the song writing constructs, techniques and aesthetics of the arguably most pivotal era in the history of Heavy Metal.
In its opening tracks just about every melodic refrain, chugging palm muted riff and cutting drum pattern reeks of that which came before. Distinct echos of early Metallica rhythm guitar and Megadeth's technical innovations are at the root of musical intent. Only the bass guitar strays with the occasional discordant harmonization more reminiscent of the Technical Death Metal to come. Riffs, arrangements and song structures are all potent! Each track feels fiery and intentional, written to pivot through its ideas with powerful impact, almost reminiscent of the momentum in a Slayer classic with its keenest of headbanging passages.
If it sounds like high praise then allow me to restrain myself. V tends to lack in stand out moments but instead deploys its music like a consistent revolution of familiarity. Executed with exceptional ability and flushes of dazzling, dexterous fretwork through its guitar solos, Its a dose of excellence devoid of originality or surprise. Front man David Sanchez seems to have fully embraced the politicization of his music, first appearing on Conformicide, V is also loaded with social-political commentary of a particular leaning. Like last time, his lyrics seem close to the pulse of podcast culture and the discussions of our time with Panpsychism and the coined term "Post-Truth Era" making its way into the topicality. Expressed with bold statements, it leaves little room for the same discussions that may have inspired his words.
As expressed in my opening remarks, an album like this ultimately boils down to personal preference and temperament. It's brilliantly executed revivalism with a strong political inflection that may put some off. The forging of Thrash Metal may of had similar sentiments within the scene but listeners today are of a broader variety. Personally, I don't take it all to seriously but it is very much in a similar spirit to the anti-war stance from the 80s. Fortunately for me its elements clicked into place. A stellar production and aesthetic fidelity plays well into the hands of the riveting Thrash energy these songs conjure! Its been a blast.
Rating: 8/10