Formed by the Kirk brothers Chris and Andy in 1984, Athenian outfit Flames’ last album In Agony Rise was released in1996, so in many respects, Resurgence is an apt title for their seventh album. Early albums Made in Hell and Merciless Slaughter saw the band leading the heavy metal movement in Greece, with their 1988 release Summon the Dead seeing the band move to a pure thrash sound, as opposed to the speed and heavy metal style of their earlier releases.
With former guitarist Tom Trampouras and drummer Nick “Yngve” Samios completing the current line-up, Resurgence is an old school thrash fan’s delight. It’s 46 minutes of pure frantic energy, with an almighty nod to the thrash of Slayer, Kreator and Overkill. There’s no respite from the opening intro “Keeper of the Burning Flame,” which starts in the manner of so many albums of the genre, with a delicate instrumental which provides the anticipation for an explosive first full song. This erupts in violent style with a frenzied riff and a frenetic high tempo. This is the standard set and Flames rarely drop below this pace through the album.
Once immersed in Resurgence there is no escape. The thrashy tendrils circle around the throat and you are drawn in deeper and deeper. “Rotten Life” echoes many of the UK thrash scene like Evile, Solitary and Elimination, whilst War in Mind brings another UK band in the name of Shrapnel, such is the savage aural assault.
Musically, there is little originality here. It has all been done to death before but that doesn’t mean it’s not enjoyable. Far from it. The likes of “Mercy Denied”, “Murder Taste” and the ferocious “Shell Shocked” will all encourage huge pit action, and it’s impossible to listen to it without the urge to stomp, jump, and mosh it all out.
With a decent production, and an interesting cover, there’s plenty to get stuck into on this landmark of a release. If you like your thrash hard and fast, then Flames should right up your street.
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Resurgence is out on July 1st
Flames: official | facebook | instagram | spotify
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