Movement in music is key, as it is in so many other areas in life. Regular readers see countless articles published here that malign records hung up on a single tempo, one stagnant theme, or an unchanging mode of propulsion. That’s no accident. Regardless of style or content, music that doesn’t move—whether that movement refers to tangible momentum or intangible emotional connection—doesn’t land. UK thrash metal quartet Blacklist understand this principle and showcase their mastery of it on sophomore outing With Murderous Intent.
Blacklist may be newer to the scene, having established themselves a mere six years ago, but they harken back to the sounds of thrashteryear. That means references to legends like Exodus, Zoetrope, and Dark Angel abound on With Murderous Intent. However, Blacklist aren’t your stock standard, rehashed thrash worship. Modern death metal and melodic black metal threads weave deftly throughout this latest outing, in much the same manner as heard from Crypta. Informing the thematic content of the record, classic campy horror a la Exhumed takes center stage, injecting oodles of stupid fun into this deadly platter of hooky riffs and exuberant rhythms.
As implied in my introduction, Blacklist’s greatest strength on With Murderous Intent is their mastery of momentum and movement. Dynamic songwriting stuffed to the tonsils with killer riffs, righteous guitar wizardry, thunderous beats, and a delightful blackened-rasp-boozy-bark vocal combo relentlessly hacks and slashes through fifty minutes of thrash metal muderdeathkillery. Opening duo “Cannibal” and “Blood Baptism” set the stage with rapid-fire D-beats, pummeling double-bass runs, ripping solos, and shredding riffs. Meanwhile, gang shouts of “HUMAN CONSUMPTION” in the former and “BLOOD BAPTISM” in the latter remind us all of the lost joys of cannibalism and ritual sacrifices, respectively. In order to disabuse me of the impression that With Murderous Intent only has one speed, mid-paced romps “The Shape” and “Kill the Coroner” stomp skulls while telling tall tales of horrific monsters and mad scientists hell-bent on my ultimate demise. Thrilling stuff. Detouring slightly from ravenous thrashing, a heavier death metal influence finds purchase on bangers like the subtly neoclassical “Blood Baptism” and the rabid “The Dismemberment Blade.” Wielding the scythe of death with scalpel-like precision, these tracks bring a vital spice to the record, while more melodic proclivities and constantly evolving songwriting bolster the record’s storytelling in longer numbers like “The Shape” and album highlights “Naturom Demonto” and “With Murderous Intent.” In short, almost every fascia connected to With Murderous Intent’s ten hash-slinging slashers serves to elevate Blacklist’s music, and leaves no room for boredom to brew.
Impressive though With Murderous Intent undoubtedly is, there is a lot of material to unpack. Three songs clock in above six minutes (one of those right on the cusp of eight), and most others settle between four and six minutes. All of a sudden nearly an hour transpires in a single run. Thanks to Blacklist’s excellent pacing and track arrangement, this record’s runtime feels closer to forty minutes than the actual fifty. However, I often feel just a touch winded by the time the admittedly awesome title track closer wraps up. Unfortunately for me, that negatively impacts the record’s immediate replay value. Compounding this drawback, “Lethal Infection” and “Never Sleep Again” fall short of the high mark established by the overwhelming majority of With Murderous Intent’s material. Solid tracks on their own, passionately performed and enjoyable in the moment, they are regrettably less compelling and less memorable than all of their album mates—especially so positioned back-to-back between two of the album’s best.
There is a lot to love in With Murderous Intent. Blacklist’s particular application of a tried and true thrash blueprint, tempered with death metal and black metal touches and given definition by their 80s horror theme, makes for a wildly entertaining and deeply enjoyable experience. It may not be the easiest to get through if you are pressed for time, and a couple of its selections don’t live up to the standard of Blacklist’s elite. Fortunately, those are but minor faults. The truth is, I haven’t had this much fun with modern thrash in quite some time. You deserve to have some fun, too. Get Blacklisted today!
Rating: Very Good!
DR: 9 | Format Reviewed: 320 kb/s mp3
Label: Self-Release
Websites: facebook.com/BlacklistMetal | blacklistthrashmetal.bandcamp.com
Releases Worldwide: August 2nd, 2024
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