By 1993, the UK's Xentrix had all but removed themselves from the thrash scene, deciding to distance themselves from a sub-genre of metal that was quickly losing steam in their native land as well as here in the US. Their third album, and last for Roadrunner Records, called Kin, sees the band slowing things down for a more melodic and classic metal sound, drawing comparisons to similar period Metallica, Megadeth, Candlemass, and Savatage. The quick, intricate thrash riffs, blistering rhythms, and screaming vocals are replaced here by thicker guitar patterns, textured arrangements, and more accessible vocals from Chris Astley. While Kin didn't set the world on fire (in all honesty this band came out a few years too late to really strike it big), looking back now it's a shame it didn't, as there are really some fine metal songs here. Tunes like "All Bleed Red", "Order of Chaos", and the riff monster "Waiting" are all slower and heavier, with more emphasis on catchy guitar work and memorable melodies rather than speed, and the endearing "No More Time" even has some great acoustic elements. The band rolls out more acoustic passages on "Come Tomorrow", but them come crashing in with some thunderous Metallica-like mayhem, like a leftover from And Justice For All. It's not until "Another Day" that the band decides to give the fans some serious thrash, this one a blistering rocker with complex guitar lines and Astley's venemous vocal delivery. This reissue from Metal Mind Productions sounds very good, and you get a few bonus tracks, lyrics, photos, and album info. If you have any interest in one of the better bands of the early 90's UK thrash scene, pick up the first three releases from Xentrix, out now on Metal Mind, remastered and ready for re-consumption.
Track Listing
1. Order of Chaos
2. Friend to You
3. All Bleed Red
4. No More Time
5. Waiting
6. Come Tomorrow
7. Release
8. See Through You
9. Another Day
10. Reward -bonus track
11. Never Be-bonus demo track
12. Hand That Feeds Itself-bonus demo track
13. Silence -bonus demo track
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
