The first impression with these American West Coast crossover thrashers is that they are a Suicidal Tendencies tribute band. However, after a few listens to “Tensions On High” which comes after two full lengths, influences from Prong (strong) and mid-90s Megadeth (weaker) are also noticeable. All these are incorporated in a seamless and brilliant fashion and flawless execution along with some surprisingly Testament “The Ritual” solos, so that the release is a very satisfying meal indeed for any fan of the genre and may even attract fans of melodic metal for its instant appeal and catchiness.

As expected from the introduction, vocalist cryptically calling himself A.H. is part Mike Muir (Suicidal) and part Tommy Victor (Prong) and the bare bones of this ep are settled between “Lights, Camera, Revolution” (Suicidal) and Prong’s “Prove You Wrong”. Yet, Take Offense has an incredible knack for progression and groove that may even set them above those, the perfect “Just Because You Believe”, case in point. There’s a fantastic bass buildup and a ferocious thrash attack in the middle and the main riff not may, not could, but will get stuck in your head like “Prove You Wrong” (Prong) or “Institutionalized” (Suicidal) as you sing along “just because you believe it doesn’t make it true, with a change of perspective comes new point of view/you’re searching for an answer, well, don’t look to me, ‘cause I’ve got my own beliefs and you don’t have to agree”, a brilliant lyric on religious/irreligious tolerance that could have been penned by either Muir or Victor. Not that the title track or “Trust” are any worse, each a testament to this band’s ability, talent and power to convey timeless universal truths about life. Just because I found “Unconditional” a little underwhelming and too close to Prong (with a song of the same title on “Prove You Wrong”) does not mean that you would, or that I’m even right, or that there aren’t many different details I missed or forgot to put down in words, which you’ll find.

Take Offense is an excellent release with a minor flaw that I’m sure will get corrected on their full length. Yes, please tell me there is a full length coming. I can’t wait.

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