Artist: Outrage
Title: Outrage
Type: Album
Label: Victor Entertainment

Outrage, it would seem, are a venerable Japanese metal outfit, having previously played in a thrash metal style, but last releasing an album back in 2002. Long time lead singer Naoki Hashimoto returned to the band in 2007 after a twelve year hiatus, and since that time they have been working hard on writing new material – material that would eventually come to represent the music available on this platter. Produced by no less than the hugely acclaimed Frederik Nordstrom, can this, their self-titled come back album see them finally reach an audience outside of their native Japan?

Maybe, is the concise answer, which probably does little to recommend it to you! Competent, almost stoner-thrash metal (which is a head-fuck of its own, I know), this is clearly the sound of a band who have been around long enough to produce top quality tracks. Odd as it might sound, the closest approximation of Outrage would be a fantasy scenario of how it might seem if some mad scientist had managed to provide gene-spliced offspring from the line ups of Overkill and Grand Magus. On the one hand, there are plenty of head-down, fist-in-the-air thrash moments, complete with pounding uncompromising double-bass drum attacks, and tasty, Phil Cambell-esque Motorhead lead guitar breaks. On the other hand are the awesome soulful vocals of Mr Hashimoto, who manages to produce a soulful, thick and convincing metal voice that could easily pass for JB at his finest.

Thrash riffs fly through the air with alarming regularity, though the swing and groove of the rhythm section could easily find itself at home in a stoner metal outfit. Combine that with the aforementioned classic heavy metal vocals, and you have a hell of a combination. Much more convincing than pretty much anything any of the Wests “Big Four” have managed to produce over the last few years, “Outrage” is a hugely solid, addictive entry into the thrash metal pantheon. Those expecting hammy engrish or the tongue-in-cheek curiosity of some of Japans other metal bands are going to be disappointed, as this is easily the equal of other recent albums by venerable metal acts, and to be honest, would be a blast at a festival. Do yourselves a favour – sneak a listen to Outrage.

http://www.myspace.com/outrageousjapanese