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Released on October 18, 2014 via Independent
Just over a year ago I had the opportunity to review an EP from the band ALKIRA and at the time I said that this band had some great potential and that I hoped we wouldn’t have to wait to long for a follow up album. Luckily for us, and I truly mean that, the boys from ALKIRA have been kind enough to release their first full length album Juggernaut. Remarkably in doing, so have released what could quite possibly be the best thrash album of this year and possible the best thrash album of the past several years. This is an all-out balls to the wall, mosh pit starting thrash album of purest sense.
One of the biggest problems I have had with metal as I have become more and more involved in it over the past few years is how many sub-genres have been created and how it seems that the opinion has become that the music has to be both extreme and underground for it to be “accepted”. It’s almost as if it has to be recorded in a basement or cemetery for the music to be worthy of the name heavy metal. It is no longer a style of music but a status. Even if that is the case ALKIRA have thankfully stuck with the old school thrash model and not fallen into the trap of being too extreme. In doing so ALKIRA have accomplished a great feat in a sub-genre that has been missing this kind of talent.
Juggernaut starts off with ‘Chains’ a moderate paced instrumental intro that shows a pathway to what lies ahead on the album. The first proper song ‘Submission Theory’ blasts out of the speakers next. With a memorable lead riff, the song blasts forward with a solid use of the double bass drum but not so overpowering that it overtakes the song itself. The bass guitar is obviously present and again a credit to the band and the mixing that the listener is able to discern the rhythm without having to give up on the aggression and mood. The vocals are mostly clean, at times screamed but only in places that work really well.
The most impressive song on this album, as far as I am concerned is ‘The Fleet’. This monster of a track is epic in scope and structure and not even the longest song on the album. The opening riff is catchy and memorable and shows off not only the brilliance of the songwriting but the technicality and talent of the band. I could go from song to song on this album but I won’t because every song on this album is creatively and superbly done. There isn’t a bad song on the album. From start to finish one of the most enjoyable thrash albums I have heard in a very long time. The band takes its time with each song, allowing the songs to do all of the talking. ALKIRA does a great job of understanding the flow of the songs and letting them find their individual voices. A strength of the album and a credit to a band that has only been performing together for about 4 years. There is a noticeable maturity from their Red Devil EP to this new album. The songs are tighter, well-structured and exciting.
A year ago I said that this was a band to watch and that they had the potential to produce something great if they could duplicate the energy of the Red Devil EP and I will say proudly that I was correct. So, first things first, thanks ALKIRA for making me look smart, that was very thoughtful of you. The talent of this band is evident from the first riff to the final fade out of the closing song ‘Shattered End’. This band has matured so significantly that it almost sounds like a completely different band that has been around for 30 years. ALKIRA would have fit in nicely with the thrash giants of the ‘80s but thankfully for us they are here now and we as thrash enthusiasts reap the benefits.
As I said earlier Juggernaut could possibly be the best thrash album of the year, or even the past few years. I can only imagine that their live shows are just as energized as this album is and that the mosh pits are flowing with bodies. Which brings me to my plea to any and everyone who reads this review; please support this band so that they may be able to tour the United States, this band has to be amazing live if this album is any indication. I implore you to buy this album! I am confident that this album and band will easily become one of your favorites! Juggernaut by ALKIRA: album of the year? Maybe, certainly the thrash album of the year. Don’t sleep on this one!
Until later, Peace!
