Sodomizer - The Dead Shall Rise To Kill (2007)

Screw this NWOAHM and "neo-thrash" bullshit, South America has been churning out endless amounts of kick ass 80s homage for years. Leather and bullet belt sporting Brazilians Sodomizer are no exception. If the cheesy arse chainsaw logo and comfortably generic cover didn't tip you off, this is an old school thrash fest with more riffs than Hetfields scrap book.

If the words Accept or Metal Church don't force an involuntary spasm of head-banging and a horns salute, this album might not be for you; this is by the book 80s thrash worship. Every aspect of this album oozes denim and bad hair with songs like 'Heavy Metal Horror' and 'Undead Revenge', resplendent with horror movie samples and cheesy intros . Its all about the tripartite riff pattern followed by a variation, Araya style screaming vocalizations and banshee wailing solos. 'Blessed By The Virus Of Death' is one of those "lull you into a false sense of security" openers, with a monk chant leading you into a slow strummed melody. Of course, just as you're getting comfortable in drops some trademark thrash riffage and an 'Angel Of Death' scream. Tastefully clean solos, rumbling bass and understated distortion carry this album through a time warp.

So, it's hardly original. And it's a little repetitive. But who gives a fuck? This is thrash. In an age where people are more interested in what colour Matt Heafy has painted his nails than the fact Lamb Of God are making a living butchering Testament riffs, we need bands like Sodomizer.

8/10

Annunaki - Throne of the Annunaki (2007)

Graaaaaaaaa! Ignore the badly drawn album cover this is total blackened-death-thrash dismemberment! New Jersey's Annunaki are a whirlwind riff machine, blasting their way through a simply stunning debut album. Released back in February I'm assuming this has earned them a coveted support slot for Immortal's upcoming east coast appearance. Featuring the drummer from 80s thrash metallers Blood Feast this album is non-stop wall to wall balls out metal. Kicking off with the kick to the face that is the tremolo fueled 'Through Chaos', it charges into a deathly riff breakdown before storming forward, kicking down your door and raping you in the eyesocket. As if that wasn't enough a banshee wailing, 80s style solo tears off your limbs and beats you to death with them. And then 'Eucharist' kicks in. And does it again. And again. And again. 'March Of The Militia Of The Dead', 'Blunt Scalpel Extraction', by the end of the album I felt as if I'd been face fucked by Cthulhu and given a chainsaw hand job. Equal parts Dark Funeral, Coroner and even a little Melechesh this is easily one of this years classics. I'm in danger of overstating this album so I'll stop. Get it. Get it now.

10/10