Overlook the dodgy cover and you'll find a little gem of a record from these UK thrashers. Unfortunately, the band only lasted two records but if you can track them down, they are worth every penny. Hydra Vein, put simply, sound a lot like old Slayer, but it's not a bad thing or a poor imitation. The record spews a refreshing rawness which many bands are attempting to re-create in the modern day as thrash comes full circle and hits a revival. This is not overly fast thrash, the dark riffs chug and the vocals of Mike Keen at times a ringer for Tom Araya, but the melodies have that basement British feel, giving the band a sinister edge, especially on 'Harlequin' and 'Right To Die'.
I'm pretty sure that if the band hadn't been from the UK they might well have made a few in-roads in the genre, but as it stands, Hydra Vein remain one of those lost bands that should be more appreciated.
7/10
No comments:
Post a Comment