Will undoubtedly appeal to anyone who appreciates the heavier end of the market.

One of the first albums I ever reviewed for this mighty magazine was Italian Metallers Arthemis’ ‘Black Society’ back in 2008. Although tagged as a Thrash band, I found them more of a Metal band that occasionally just strayed into Thrash territory, and subsequently enjoyed the melodic and atmospheric trappings that ‘Black Society’ offered, in particular the wonderfully gothic single ‘Angels In Black.’ The higher melodic vocals of Alessio Garavello (also of Power Quest) were one of the albums illuminating features, but Garavello left the band in 2009.

So two albums later comes ‘We Fight’, and the first time I have had the opportunity to hear the vocals of his successor Fabio Dessi. Dessi has a deeper Metal roar to his voice, which suits the music perfectly, as ‘We Fight’ features more of the Thrash Metal approach for which the band is renowned, but subsequently less of the melody. As excellent as the incendiary riffing and soloing of guitarist Andy Martongelli is, and the powerfully tight rhythm section of bassist Damiano Perazzini and drummer Paul Grinder that drives the songs along on waves of double kick-drums, the intense Metallic delivery of the likes of opener ‘Empire’, ‘Blood Of Generations’ and ‘Reign Of Terror’ make the music infinitely less approachable for these ears.

A mid-album reprieve does come in the form of the more melodic ‘Burning Star, the pseudo-Iron Maiden riffage of ‘Cry For Freedom’ and the downbeat ballad ‘Alone’, but the rest of the album strays too far into pure Thrash territory.

It will undoubtedly appeal to anyone who appreciates the heavier end of the market, but I fear that’s not the vast majority of Fireworks and Rocktopia readers.

Ant Heeks