Dyoxen - First Among Equals (1989)

Very interesting and melodic thrash that has a greatd eal of soul in its approach and boasts some incredibly catchy, almost classic rock and NWOBHM grooves amidst those flailing solo's and heavy riffs. I was pleasantly surprised when I first heard this, these Canadaian's caused quite a buzz, especially in that vocal department which has more of a connection to Mordred's Scott Holderby rather than your typical thrash or metal frontman. 'Overcome' has a real melodic groove to it, the badn effortlessly able to melt Bay Area speed and chug with an almost Thin Lizzy then Living Colour groove. I'm not sure if this was too clever for its time, me thinks these guys probably faded away afterwards, but when one hears the epic structrues of the title track and then the almost funky (but not too funky!) yet techno thrash oddness of 'The Essence Of Ignorance' one can only applaud such brave experimentation. Michael Scott Sanders' vocals may be an acquired taste for some, but for me these smooth tones compliment the music wonderfully as the grooves shift with ease between thrashcore and classic, albeit soulful rock. Cool stuff. 7.5/10