In a year of fantastic metal music it is only natural that a really good thrash album would be left out of the end of the year fray but Trainwreck Architect have released what to me is one of the most accessible thrash albums of the year as well as one of the most reminiscent to the true origins of thrash. Traits of the Sick is as solid a thrash album as has been released this year and it has a groove to it that should not be ignored. Mastered by the great Jeff Waters (Annihilator) this album has all the markings of old-school thrash/groove metal reminiscent of Jeff’s band Annihilator as well as nods to Death Angel, Suicidal Tendencies and a touch of Thundersteel era Riot.
The album opens with an instrumental intro 'Comatose Era' that gives you a small glimpse into what to expect on this album but when the true opener 'The Culprit' kicks in with the speed and ferocity not seen since Annihilator's own album Never Neverland a listener really begins to understand the talent of this band. Songs focused on humanities inability to ever be satisfied guide this band through chugging guitar blasts and breaks that even the most stubborn thrash-head will enjoy. The songwriting leads the music and vice versa throughout this album. There is a non-stop, racing toward the end of the world feeling to these songs and the ability of Trainwreck Architect to make it so chaotic while still keeping it inside the rails is admirable.
Simon Ouellet’s vocals shine on this album; he has a power and control in his voice that conveys the emotion that is indicative of every song on the album. A very strong and complete mix on the album allows Mr. Ouellet’s voice to be front and center without overpowering the music. Obviously Jeff Waters knows what he is doing but the album production is eerily similar to what Anthrax was producing in the early to mid ‘80s and that is a really good thing.
It actually took me a while to write this review because I really wanted to get into this album before I tried to relay what was coming out of my speakers. I think this album has to grow on a dedicated thrash fan as I don’t think you listen to it and automatically go “WOW!”, I think the discerning thrash fan has to give this album a chance to grow. If you are willing to give this under-the-radar album a chance I think you will find that this is an album with intricacies and layers that are not usual for a thrash album.
I believe that if given the right amount of listening this could possibly fall into the category of favorite thrash album of 2013 for most thrash fans. But there is definitely something to this album that takes it a minute to sink in, but again, once it does it will be a regular part of your thrash rotation.
