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██▌ Artist...: National Suicide ░▐██▌
░▐██ Album....: Massacre Elite ░██▌░
▓▐██ Year.....: 2017 ▓▐██▓
▓▐██ Rel.Date.: 2021-04-10 ░▐██▓
▐██ Genre....: Thrash Metal ██▌░
░ ██▌ Label....: Scarlet Records ██▌
▐██ Source...: CD ▐██
░▐██▌ Type.....: Album ▐██▌░
▓▄████ Quality..: VBR, 44.1kHz, Joint Stereo ████▌░
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1. Deathroll 3:32
2. I'm Not a Zombie (Anymore) 4:33
3. Massacre Elite 3:58
4. Old, White and Italian 4:03
5. Pisshead 3:39
6. Trouble Ahead 3:48
7. Take Me to the Dive Bar 3:51
8. Unfit for the Army 3:20
9. What D'you Mean by Metal? 4:16
------
35:00
With about a decade of metal consumption under my belt, I donÆt think
IÆve ever come across an album that sounds exactly the way the cover
looks more than this one. National Suicide are a group of thrashers from
Italy, formed back in 2005, and Massacre Elite is their third and most
recent effort. If it isnÆt obvious, theyÆre obsessed with being as old
school looking and sounding as possible, and itÆs pretty fair to say
that theyÆve achieved that. Often times when bands try very hard to be
something specific, especially when adding a retro tint to the view, it
can be somewhat corny. Thankfully, National Suicide know how to attain
the sound that they want while not taking themselves too seriously. The
end result? A throwback ridden thrash metal album with a lot of fun
hooks, humorous lyrics, and a great combination of face melting energy
and silliness.
Regarding the more fun side of this, itÆs quite easy to tell where these
tactics lie. Tracks like ôIÆm Not A Zombie (Anymore)ö and ôOld, White,
And Italianö are clearly meant to be fun, mosh-friendly cuts that give
the album an aura of humor. They tend to reside more on the simpler side
regarding song construction, as the focus is speed; but there are still
strong solos present. The latter of the two actually focuses heavily on
bass, and spits out one of the strongest rhythms on the whole release.
On the flip side, tracks like ôUnit For The Armyö and the title track
reel in some more melody and focus a bit more in delivering solid hooks
and elaborate songs. Sound effects are dropped in here and there, and
longer solos tie them all together perfectly. The greatest track on here
is ôTake Me To The Dive Bar,ö as it combines all aspects that make
Massacre Elite such a thrilling ride. ItÆs got the intense speed and the
lyrics that donÆt take themselves seriously, as well as one of the most
memorable riffs, and advanced guitar work in general. The way that it
weaves licks perfectly into the chorus is absolutely stellar, and I can
see why this one got its own lyric video. If this all doesnÆt scream
Æ80s thrash, I donÆt know what does.
Something that does make it seem a little more obvious that this isnÆt
an old record is the fact that the production is super clean and
anything but raw. IÆm actually glad that itÆs spotless in that sense,
because that allows the vocals to break through in the sharp manner that
they do. TheyÆre pretty damn close to those of OverkillÆs very own Bobby
Blitz, but a little bit less intimidating, and the range doesnÆt seem to
be as drastic. Rest assured, theyÆre still very good, and I wouldnÆt
expect anyone to be able to perfectly match such a legendary vocalist.
Musically, it probably throws a little more ode to the likes of Nuclear
Assault in the realm of playing style, especially when taking into
consideration the ferocious drum kicks. ThereÆre almost hints of
crossover present, but to label this album that way would be misleading.
In a short time of about thirty five minutes, National Suicide deliver
exactly what it is that they were going for, with the old school style
combining fun construction as well as a legit pummeling thrash beast.
Neater production puts the icing on the cake, all packaged with an album
cover that couldnÆt be more fitting. This is strongly recommended to
fans of Overkill, Nuclear Assault, Anthrax, or really any pioneering
thrash band and anything that followed in its footsteps.
---
2017 has proved that thrash metal is alive and well, both from the
veterans (Overkill, Kreator) and relative newbies (Warbringer,
Eruption). But what about the other newbies? You know, the
retro-nu-beer-skater-moshcore bands who spawned from Municipal Waste and
that ilk? Well, thankfully - the tribulations of such a revival have
resulted in only the finest quality acts surviving. Enter Italy's
National Suicide. Already firmly established as an incredibly talented
outfit since their re-grouping last year, they bounce back fast with
another full-length brilliantly titled Massacre Elite. The angular,
Nuclear Assault-esque logo, the schlock gore of the artwork, song titles
like "I'm Not A Zombie Anymore" and "Pisshead"...you know exactly what
you're in for. But once the riot starts up, all expectations are met,
adhered to, and quickly become incredibly satisfying.
Almost instantly, the fantastic production makes its impact. The guitar
tone is ferocious but remarkably clear; the metallic clang of the bass
is constantly audible; vocals are proudly out in front; and that snappy,
dry drum sound is absolutely irresistible. Serious kudos to the maestro
for enhancing the already brilliant riffs and superlative drum fills.
National Suicide have been sure to bring a plentiful bag o' riffs to the
party on Massacre Elite - they absolutely ooze an old-school Exodus
vibe, but with zero shame. There's also a hefty dose of Overkill
influence here, with the final track sounding almost identical to the
Jersey boys' "Ironbound". Exodus and Overkill are particularly good
reference points for one reason: Stefano Mini's vocals. This lunatic
sounds like the demented bastardchild of Zetro and Blitz. Simultaneously
decipherable and maniacal, he spits into your ears with his Italian
accent making the English lyrics sound even more quirky. You'll find
yourself having your own fun game trying to emulate his accent: "AH'M
NAT A ZOWMBEE YANAMOWR!!"
To back Mini up we have the backing gang shouts of the rest of the band
- probably compulsory for this style of thrash. This increases the fun
factor and the singalongability tenfold as you raise your fists to yell
"MASSACRE!" during the title-track. It certainly adds to the comedy of
the already humorous "Old, White & Italian". Inbetween these anthemic
refrains, the album is littered with blazing solos, memorable riffs and,
importantly, moments of respite when the band take the speed down a
gear. The mid-tempo stomp of "Take Me To The Dive Bar" is pure headbang
heaven, as is the middle section of opener "Death Roll". I can't
recommend this strongly enough to thrash fans, but only those who aren't
afraid to smile. National Suicide are masters of their craft and moshing
hymns such as "Trouble Ahead" and especially "I'm Not A Zombie Anymore"
are going to be stuck in my head for the forseeable future. Come and
join the Massacre Elite!
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