This German band is most famous for the cult album “The Upcoming Terror” and “Interstellar Experience”. In 2005 and 2011 other releases followed, but didn’t break any legs in the thrash scene. In a period where one good thrash album after another is released Assassin also follows with its fifth. Can they compete with the new albums of Death Angel, Destruction, Flotsam and Jetsam, and After All?
The first tunes make it clear that the music sounds very heavy, tight and aggressive, the way a thrash album needs to sound. The voice of Ingo “Crowzak” Bajonczak sounds harsh and aggressive, but with not enough variety. That sees to it that the album can’t keep me focused the entire spin. Another point is that the music has no surprises whatsoever. Exodus, Destruction, Onslaught and Testament riffs and melodies spit out of the speakers and it all sounds great, but that’s all. Somehow I did expect more from this band, more original ideas and riffs. They sound too much like the big mass of nowadays thrash bands (Harlott, Warbringer etc. etc.)
Don’t get me wrong, if you are a die hard thrash fan, you certainly will like what Assassin serves and you probably will not agree with me.
Tracklist:
01. Back From the Dead
02. Frozen Before Impact
03. Undying Mortality
04. Servant Of Fear
05. Slave Of Time
06. Whoremonger
07. Cross the Line
08. What Doesn’t Kill Me Makes Me Stronger
09. Ambush
10. Word
11. Sanity From the Insane
12. Red Alert
Playing time: 54:00
Release date: 20 May 2016
Label: Steamhammer/SPV
Website: www.assassin-online.de
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