Veteran German thrash act Accuser have surprisingly been in existence for 30 years, but as of yet aren't quite a household name on the metal scene. That might all change with the release of The Forlorn Divide, their first for Metal Blade Records, an obvious global label powerhouse that surely will help get the band some additional exposure. As for the album itself, it more than kicks ass in a 'classic Bay Area meets vintage German' thrash sense, so think Exodus, Heathen, Death Angel, Destruction, Sodom, and Kreator, but with a modern twist. Plenty or roaring guitar riffs and blazing solos to be found here, as on "Lust for Vengeance" and especially "Unreal Perception", where Frank Thoms & Dennis Rybakowski really kick things up a notch, fingers flying all around the fretboard over pummeling double bass drumming from Oliver Fechner. Despite the speed and ferocity of many of these songs, there's also a healthy amount of groove to be found throughout the album, which is a great thing and prevents that certain 'mechanical' feel that so many thrash releases fall into. Thoms also handles the lead vocals, and he's got a guttural roar/bellow that's not quite a growl but is definitely very aggressive, somewhere between hardcore & death metal in style, but surely perfect for this rip-roaring brand of thrash that Accuser play. Other standout tracks here include the crushing "Arbitrary Law", the epic and quite menacing "Impending Doom", and the old school feel of both "Fifth Column" and "Perish By Oblivion", the latter two being a must hear for any fan of Testament, Exodus, and Heathen.
Though they've been around forever, Accuser might just be a new name for many, and if that's the case, make sure you don't miss this super solid Metal Blade debut from this veteran band, and then go back and investigate their impressive back catalog.
See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!
Track Listing
1) Predawn
2) Lust for Vengeance
3) Unreal Perception
4) Arbitrary Law
5) Impending Doom
6) Tribulation
7) Perish By Oblivion
8) Fifth Column
9) Sulfur Rain
10) Flow of Dying
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
