INFRARED – Manifestation

RELEASE YEAR: 2024

BAND URL: https://infraredmetal.ca/

There are few things more satisfying as a metal fan than watching a band evolve and consistently deliver, and few modern thrash bands have done that quite like Ottawa’s Infrared. With Manifestation²⁰²⁴, their fourth full-length released (again) independently last September 6th, the Canadians reaffirm their place in the XXI-st century thrash pantheon—though I’ll say it right away: as excellent as this album is, it’s not quite the perfect follow-up to From The Black Swamp²⁰²¹, which was not only my album of the year in 2021, but one I’ve since dubbed the perfect thrash metal album of the modern era. Having said that, Manifestation absolutely rips, clocking in at a lean 41 minutes, a tighter, more aggressive record than its predecessor—thrashier, more technical, a little less melodic, and a bit rawer in structure. If From The Black Swamp was the band’s Seasons in the Abyss¹⁹⁹⁰, Manifestation is their Divine Intervention¹⁹⁹⁴: still razor sharp, still violent, but stripped down, meaner, and with a more live-sounding edge.

Infrared’s roots stretch all the way back to the late ’80s, with their debut R.I.P. (Recognition in Power) dropping in 1988 before the band went into long hibernation. Their rebirth in 2014 marked a new chapter bearing fruit of No Peace²⁰¹⁶, but they truly started impressing me with Saviours²⁰¹⁹. That was the moment I realized: these guys aren’t here just to relive old glories—they’re here to build something enduring. While original members Armin Kamal (guitars, vocals), Kirk Gidley (guitars, vocals) and Alain Groulx (drums, backing vocals) remain the beating heart of the group, the addition of Mike Forbes on bass since 2014 has solidified the most powerful version of the band yet. The musicianship is off the charts, and there’s a shared fire that’s palpable on every track.

“Concuss” is an immediate standout—a true banger that hits like Among the Living¹⁹⁸⁷ Anthrax filtered through Megadeth’s “How the Story Ends”, but thrashier, nastier, and with a guitar tone that could cut through steel. The shouted “Get in the pit!” mid-track just seals the deal. Catchy chorus, wild solo section—it’s blasted perfect. Then there’s “Reforma”, a surprising curveball that leans more toward heavy metal and melody. It opens with a technical riff that blooms into an almost balladic chorus à la “Indians” (Anthrax), with lyrics reflecting on our abuse of the Earth. The layered third chorus hits especially hard—this one’s a sleeper gem that’s already grown on me with each spin. “Cancuss” may be my favorite but the near-perfect “Demon’s Blood” may be the most intense track here, rightly chosen as the first single. Grooving Panteraic transitions, screamed choruses, and a lyrical concept that reflects the personal demons of addiction. Fast, loud, and full of bass-driven fury—it’s cathartic, wild, and beautifully constructed.

While most remaining tracks are excellent, there are three I can’t get myself to score higher than 4.5: “Pressure Syndrome” – blending Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying¹⁹⁸⁶ grooves with Persistence Of Time¹⁹⁹¹ technical coldness, “Manifest Nation” – a technical thrasher whose title cleverly mirrors the album name without being the title track and “Parasite Patrol” – so intense it borders on death-thrash; this one sounds like if Chimaira (Nothing Remains) and Slayer wrote a song together – but those felt like they ended just as they were hitting their stride.

Overall, there’s a bit less staying power in the shorter tracks and the melodies aren’t quite as infectious as From The Black Swamp, and the record being 25 minutes shorter doesn’t help. Some of the song structures are simpler compared to their 2021 masterpiece. Still, that’s hardly a complaint when the material is this potent.

What truly stands out on Manifestation is the production—this is easily the best-sounding album in Infrared’s discography. It has that Kreator’s Hordes of Chaos²⁰⁰⁹ quality: raw but professionally tight, like you’re front-row at a gig without any audience noise to dilute the power. Armin Kamal might just be sitting on a production career if he ever wants one, either that or he already has one and I’m not aware of it.

Manifestation may not be the flawless monolith that From The Black Swamp was, but it’s still a fantastic slab of modern thrash with just enough crossover DNA to keep it dynamic. Infrared continues to prove that Canadian metal is not to be ignored—and that veteran bands can still sound more vital than most newcomers. If From The Black Swamp was their peak, Manifestation is the follow-through swing that ensures they stay airborne.