Bulldozer - Unexpected Fate (2009)

Bulldozer were one of the first bands I ever got into - I was enthralled and frightened by their boozy Venom-esque rambling back in the '80s and then I kind've lost track. Admittedly, these Italian black thrashers haven't released an album for centuries (well, 21 years to be precise!!)but after hearing 'Unexpected...' it's as if the band has never been away. This really is a raging storm of a record, a black, filthy black thrash attack that brings to mind German monsters Sodom and Destruction. The title track alone is a thrash masterpiece, with its catchy riff and blastbeats and of course those primal rasps of Alberto Contini. I was a serious Bulldozer fan back in the day, because like Venom, Sodom, et al, they began life as genuine grim armies of death who ploughed their way through the competition whilst always having a cult following. It's a tragedy they never remained with us and two decades without them is a criminally long time, but at least we can dive into 'Unexpected...' with a fresh nose, only to emerge caked in vile dust. Yes, the band have a slightly clearer sound, but it's still raw, harsh and battering, but like typical Bulldozer there is the occasional injection of fun, 'Micro V.I.P.' is a full on thrasher, but faves have to be the fetid growl of 'Bastards,' and the stark thrash rattler 'Salvation For Sale'. For the most part Bulldozer today play a more modern sounding chugging thrash, but there are still those unclean streaks, the riffs of Panigada and Borroni have to be applauded, even if this isn't the Bulldozer of twenty or so years ago. Times change, but it's good to have the Italian beasts back. 7.5/10