War of Will

What we call "modern thrash" these days is actually in that musical space between more classic thrashers like "Kill 'Em All" era Metallica or Slayer's "Show No Mercy" and elements of death metal. Exodus and Slayer have been stomping this line between the styles for a long time, and have every right to claim being death metal forefathers, along with Possessed. LA style thrash, typified by Suicidal Tendencies and DRI and championed by Municipal Waste is more skater metal, and with the exception of ST, lead work is not prevalent, all the energy going to blinding speed. MIchigan's Battlecross are making waves as they share the turf with Ohio's Skeletonwitch. It's a good thing Skeletonwitch is from Athens, home of the University of Ohio, and not Columbus, home of the venerated Ohio State Buckeyes. That is, venerated in Ohio, and so evil in the eyes of Michigan Wolverine fans it's a wonder the two states haven't declared war on one another. But Battlecross shows us an up and coming outfit with massive amounts of energy and a professional style few can touch. The guitarists obviously love classic metal and a much more melodic approach without losing any power along the way. The bass and rhythm section is just as solid. "War of Will" is one of those metal albums, as other reviews have suggested that can appeal to those who want the thrash element and real musical chops, and death fans still get their shrieks and groaning vocals to keep them happy. In fact, like Skeletonwitch, we see how close the genres are, and why it's stupid to keep breaking them down. I'm totally cool with it just being heavy and show real musicianship. Not that plenty of death bands can't play - far from it - but the thrash side allows a bit more breathing room. Finland's Ranger is also a thrash band to watch for, and their worship of early Big Four albums is very obvious, but done so infectiously the listener can't help but like the fact that the torch continues to be passed on to younger bands. "War of Will" is great. If I had a thrash or death band, I'm not sure I'd want these guys opening for me, or vice versa. Battlecross will be huge if they play their cards right.

Wow, this album is awesome. It does my metal heart good to see that there are modern-day thrash metal torch-bearers still alive in modern music!

Another great album from Battlecross. Again these guys brought another killer album. Cannot stop listening to it. If you like straight up metal that is fast and in your face then these are the guys that will bring it. Keep it up Battlecross, another amazing album...

This is a badass album. Buy it, listen to it, and enjoy it. You won't be disappointed.

Bought the first album, played it to death. This album is cut from the same cloth. If you haven't tried Battlecross do the sample thing (drive by listening). If you like metal this one's for you.

My only complaint is that I didn't hear of Battlecross sooner. They stomp a hole in your chest and they don't let up. I hear flashes of early Metallica, Slayer, and maybe some Exodus. The vocals are different than the previously mentioned bands, but they are so powerful. Dig on this.

Just buy it. Its 10 tracks of music for your ears. Just let it play through over and over again.

Battlecross' sophomore album War of Will is the most metal record you will find this year! If you like Slayer and Metallica then this band is for you!