Bay-Area U

It's 2010 and the great thrash resurgence is waning, but a little farther south of the United States is a little country that has taken the torch.This little country has been heavily influenced by the San-Francisco bay area thrash scene that spawned the mighty Metallica, Mega-Dave and his crew of Deth, as well as the infamous Slayer with their hordes devotees. This scene also gave birth to the oft-overlooked Death Angel, Testament, Exodus, Vio-Lence and Forbidden. More important than any one of these bands or the combined power of their sonic might is the influence that these bands continue to have. Bay-Area Thrash became a movement that rivaled the size of the NWOBHM and influenced all future generations of metal-heads. This effect was also carried down to the nation of Brazil. 

Disaffection take their thrash cues from the god-fathers of metal and bring it up to date. From the beginning of the album with the sounds of gunfire and whistling bullets to the blinding ferocity of the closing track, this album never lets up. The influence of the Bay-Area is unmistakable. From the patch covered denim vests, to the bullet belts, to the classic high-top tennies, to the album cover with its "V" guitars, these guys have the look. If not for the Portuguese accents, these guys could have grown up in San-Francisco in 1985. The attack of the drums is pure Dave Lombardo, and the vocal delivery is reminiscent of Mark Osegueda from Death Angel, and the influence continues into the depths of the album. The highlight however, is the ever present riff. These guys have nailed it. Be the song a blast driven mosh fest or a slower bass driven groove, the riffs don't let up. While the album is pure thrash and pulls it's influences from the masters, Disaffection still maintain their unique take on the genre. They do not emulate any one band but seem to pull pieces from each one creating a sound that is fresh without reinventing the thrash wheel. The one downside to the album is the weakness of the guitar breaks and leads. The lead is present and accounted for but do not have the technicality and feeling of a more seasoned band.

The lyrics are blatantly Biblical but steer away from the "turn-or-burn" variety. Rather, the lyrics seek to offer hope and answers to folks struggling in their lives and Christian walk. Encouraging people to think about their situations is the basis for songs like Stupid Ideas and Mystery of God, while Mortuary Man is a reminder that those who are born again do not have to continue in past sins but are now alive in Christ. The opening track Metal Kombat is a call to arms against fallen angels and other evils that are in this world because of sin. Every single song is theologically based and no-where is this more present than in the song Blind Man. Blind Man uses biblical truths and the analogy of darkness and light to describe the difference in life between one who is saved and one who is not. The song is wrapped up in short testimonial bridge that brings these ideas together.

Disaffection are a strait-ahead thrash band from Brazil that don't hesitate to share their faith and their ministry is their music. The lyrics are refreshing break from the "look-how-evil-we-are" variety. Disaffection play a style that is immediately recognizable and yet also new. Thankfully, this is only a debut and I look forward to many more releases from this band with great anticipation.