Hailing from the USA, Vicious Blade make their intentions clear through the artwork of their 2024 album ‘Relentless Force’, which perfectly captures their Speed/Thrash Metal sound.
The opening title track, ‘Relentless Force’, begins with riffs and a scream that instantly bring Slayer’s ‘Angel of Death’ to mind; from that point onwards, the band launches a direct assault on the ears with hooking riffs and pounding drums. The female vocalist truly spits fire with her performance, and I knew the song was a success the moment I found myself instinctively banging my head to the rhythm.
Throughout the album, ‘Relentless Force’ offers nine tracks of Thrash Metal that are sure to satisfy any craving. By keeping the songs short, the band ensures the listener remains engaged and constantly headbanging through a tempo that is fast, no-nonsense, and straight to the point.
While there is nothing here that hasn’t been done before, it is the execution that counts. The sheer aggressiveness of the instrumentation combined with efficient, adrenaline-pumping song structures provides the perfect ingredients for success. A notable highlight is the fifth track, ‘Forged Steel’, which stands out because the vocalist employs a clean, hardcore-style delivery during several sections.
Ultimately, the album is a strong release with a well-executed package that delivers a healthy dose of Metal energy. While Vicious Blade may need to push their limits further to stand out in the overcrowded Thrash Metal scene, this is a solid effort. You should certainly pick up the album and show your support.
