It’s an all out thrash attack from this long-running Ohio band, and they really know what they’re doing. You don’t have to get too deep into Whispers Of Death to realize this is a veteran band that focuses on the essence of thrash. There’s no attempt to update the sound, smooth things out or add some grand concept to what they’re doing…they’re in it to whoop ass and that’s about it.
You might not be able to sit down for a week after the ass-whooping delivered here. When VINDICATOR is operating at its peak, they rival EXODUS as far as pure thrash goes. Just latch onto ‘Charnel Pastures’ and ‘Your World Dies In Flames’ for confirmation. Adding an extra level of spite are the inhuman gravelly snarls of M. Law…there’s a vicious slurring to his delivery that gives VINDICATOR an almost death metal kick. And the production is old school in the best way…grainy yet clear, if that makes sense. This could have been released in 1988.
Bay Area thrash is the top inspiration for these guys. ‘Merry Evenings Make Sad Mournings’ has a cool, almost archetypal thrash riff like something off Bonded By Blood. ‘Exhaustion’ and ‘Battle Box’ show the band at their most aggressive, with NUCLEAR ASSAULT and HIRAX inspired fury. I didn’t much care for ‘Abominable Intelligence’, which never really comes together and I could have done without those acoustic moments, but out of 12 tracks, I’d say 9 hit the bullseye and the remainder are merely average, not abysmal.
Whispers Of Death can be heard loud and clear…American thrash is here to stay and VINDICATOR are here to deliver that message!
Review By: Dr. Abner Mality
VINDICATOR
Whispers Of Death
Independent