DUST BOLT – Awake the Riot
- by Matt Coe
- Posted on 21-06-2014
Munich, Germany’s Dust Bolt return for a second full length in "Awake the Riot" – another thrashing effort that has more North American/ Bay Area nuances than their own Teutonic heritage. Tracks like the speedy "Soul Erazor" and "Agent Thrash" have more in common with Agent Steel meets Slayer/ Sepultura, the guitar team of Lenny B. and Flo D. providing the bulk of entertainment value through their intense picking and smooth transitions. Expect vocals that are competent yet not overtly thrilling – more of a semi-scream/ shout-a-thon that crossover bands employ than anything melodic – as well as an intriguing cover of Evildead’s "Future Shock" that closes the album, paying homage to that act’s 1989 debut record.
"Awake the Riot" may raise an eyebrow or two at times, but doesn’t really elevate what we know about the genre already. Second or third tier thrash can entertain, but rarely has that staying power to sustain a long career.