Year: 2025
Label: Doomentia Records / Armageddon Label
Rating: 8,5 / 10
I know HIRAX band for a very long time, and I haven't expected anything from it for almost as long. HIRAX have recorded several hits throughout their discography, but their style has always been a big obstacle for me. There's too much crossover, too much speed metal softness. "Immortal Legacy" from 2014 somehow passed me by; I remember listening to it, that's all. That's why I put HIRAX out of my mind altogether.
Recently, when I came across a promo for a new record, I thought: why not? And it turned out to be a huge surprise. HIRAX suddenly recorded one of the best thrash albums of the year! All that remains of the crossover here is conciseness: 9 short tracks for only 22 minutes. There's no speed metal cheesiness anymore. But each track, according to the name of the album, tries to be faster than death itself. In all these compressed, fervent blasts, there is, perhaps, 100-120 seconds of medium tempo. Everything else is frenzied shredding, immortal slayer beats, lightning-fast solos. I call this the young guitarist effect, because it's not the first time I've seen how virtuously these adrenaline-fueled guys affect old bands. Neill Meatcalf, who wrote almost all the music for "Faster than Death," is only 29. Unfortunately, he left the band, because according to him, the permanent frontman of the band, Katon de Peña, turned out to be a dick and even tried to kick his ass after a rehearsal (see the first comment under the video). Therefore, I doubt that HIRAX will drop another napalm bomb on the listener any time soon.
The album also has a great sound and great artwork. Katon is holding up well. Let me remind you that he's 62 years old, but he sounds as shrill as in the mid-80s, and maybe even better. I love and appreciate this kind of Thrash Metal.
