Artist: Fanthrash
Title: Trauma Despotic
Type: EP
Label: Unsigned

Polish thrash metal act ‘Fanthrash’ have been rocking out since early 1986, the year that Metallica released their third album ‘Master of Puppets’ and Megadeth released ‘Peace Sells.... But Who’s Buying?’ Originally named ‘Fantom’, Fanthrash changed their name due to too many bands having the same name. In 1990 the band recorded a three track demo but sadly as with a lot of bands, they found it hard to carry on due to personal difficulties and with their heart not in it anymore they decided to drop their instruments and call it a day. With new material written in 2007, the band decided to try and rehearse together again with a new guitarist. Now in 2010, the band release their new three track EP titled ‘Trauma Despotic’. Having had a listen, this is what I thought.

The first (and title) track ‘Trauma Despotic’ goes straight in with some brutal and crunchy thrash riffs, with the growly vocals belting in shortly after, sounding very impressive! The drumming pattern is perfect for wind milling. The solo is unusual for a thrash band with its almost power metal harmonies, but still ... it works! The second track ‘Aggressor’ is exactly what it says on the tin! Aggressive and in your face right from the start, sure enough if seeing these live, this track is guaranteed to get a mosh pit started! Obviously this is not as strong as the first on the EP but still quite amazing! The drumming deserves a mention in this one and the middle section’s guitar solo!! Truly epic all-round! These guys know how to play! Last on the EP ‘Toxic Mind’ is my firm favourite! With its mix of a crazy guitar solo, crunching guitars and pounding drums with a slice of perfectly fitting vocals for this genre; evil and in your face it’s a winner!

I’m quite shocked these guys have only released 2 EP’s since 1986 as it’s clear they are very talented despite being unknown. I could easily see them supporting the likes of Destruction, Exodus or even the mighty Slayer, but maybe this is yet to come?! Hopefully they won’t disappear for years again this time! Fanthrash definitely have what it takes to make it! It would also be good to see them on some festival line ups!

http://www.myspace.com/fanthrashband