A good and raucous classic thrash/heavy metal offering.
This album returns me to the familiar grounds of female fronted and symphonic metal, and here for my delectation (and yours) is the South Wales metal band Triaxis. This is another band that I haven’t heard of before. They formed back in 2006 and their self released debut ‘Key To The Kingdom’ came out in 2008, and now they have released their follow up ‘Rage And Retribution’.
The opener ‘Send & Silver’ is a frantic rip snorter with a rampant 80s thrash riff ala early Megadeth that just lacerates its way out of your speakers. A couple of the other songs could be described as being based in that classic thrash sound. ‘The Infected’ finds the guitars churning like train pistons with a gothic tinge chorus that’s backed by a solid, cascading progression. Some menacing fret work descends into another tempestuous thrash composition in ‘And Shadows Creep’. The six strings continue to chunter along although there is a nice melodic edge to the vocals from Krissie Kirby as the guitars swoop and soar around her. One of the most epic tracks is ‘Under A Blood Red Sun’. Swirling axe work feels like the wind picking up before a storm whereas the chunky, driving progression adds the falling rain. Although there is a definite American thrash influence, ‘Black Trinity’ foundation is clearly Iron Maiden. The wailing lead gives way to a mid 80’s Maidenesque gallop before a melodic catchy chorus. I like these three but my favourite is the instrumental ‘XGP’. Trance like keys gives way to a marauding thrash riff which has a futuristic feel. The lead is allowed to run loose and free sounding reminiscent of Joe Satriani. The echoed effects add a galactic feel before morphing into a crushing power chord progression.
I found this to be a beast of a heavy metal release. If you put Megadeth and Metallica in a blender, added some Maiden and a quality female singer this would be the end result. Although this is a massive homage to the Big M’s it’s not simply a copy; there is more to it including an added melodic edge which makes it accessible to a wider audience. It takes a few listens to hear all the little nuances and to fully appreciate the excellent musicianship. Kirby is a fine vocalist who has a good range and can wail or produce something a bit denser. For me the biggest mention must go to the guitarists, the intense progressions are thundered out by CJ Hale whilst Glyn Williams soloing is fantastic. The biggest difference with the above comparisons is the production which is highly polished and leaves that tinny sound in the past where it belongs. If you were/are a fan of those names this should work a treat for you. Anyone who enjoys female metal in general should take a punt on the Welsh quintet. This is a good and raucous classic thrash/heavy metal offering that may see many take notice.
Dave Scott
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