Hello there, Rockwell here again with another shard of grimness for you. This week we have some thrash metal from Deathhammer.

This is exactly the sort of music that would've taken over the world if it wasn't for Rick Rubin and his bushy ass beard. Don't get me wrong, I love Reign In Blood—I mean, it is the definitive thrash record. But for me, after that they went a bit soft. Actually a lot soft. This, though, harks back to the days of Show No Mercy, both in terms of attitude and production. But it isn't exactly '80s thrash through and through. There are bits of black metal and a few hardcore riffs in there too for good measure.

The album Forever Ripping Fast somehow manages to remind me, in some way, of every classic thrash band and I hope they don't totally discard the very true, black sound they've managed here on their next one. Norway's black/thrash sound had never sounded so real as right here. If you look closely at Max Necro on the cover of F.O.A.D. he's even got a Deathhammer patch on his jacket. This is exactly what thrash should be, from the music right down to the artwork. In fact, the artwork is one of Deathhammer's strong suits—their demo tape covers were totally perfect.

Unholy thrash metal will prevail!

Listen to "Doomed To Eternal Hellfire"

DYLAN HUGHES