INJECTOR – Stone Prevails
- Posted on 04-07-2018
Spanish thrash metallers Injector recently spat forth this raging 12-track record of theirs via the ever-reliable Art Gates Records and the result is most satisfying. What we are dealing with here is essentially intense thrash metal that is somewhat modern and current, which is to say that it is neither as frantic as those old Kreator records that we love or as dark as the mighty Sodom, but more like a cross between Megadeth and Exodus (and a hint of latter-day Judas Priest as well as a few nods to Pantera’s "Cowboys From Hell" for good measure) without sounding as technically dazzling as the former. Sharp riffs, lethal solos, skull-bashing drums, and suitably aggressive and bitter vocals are all over this blistering and thunderous effort, and what immediately becomes clear the very first time one listens to this is that these talented dudes have a keen ear for writing great hooks and a wicked ability to arrange their songs in a rather clever way. Some tracks such as "World Reborn" and "Paranoia in My Head" could have been a little shorter and more direct, which is to say that there is a bit of fat here and there that ought to have been cut off as it seems a bit redundant and adds little to the tunes, but these are minor issues really and one cannot deny the quality of the title track, the groovy "Justice by Fire", or the rumbling and majestic "Behind the Curtain". The galloping neck breaker that is "Oppressive Force" also deserves praise and totally slays all the way through.
The album boasts a powerful and crunchy production with just the right balance between the various instruments. "Stone Prevails" is neither too complex nor too simple, which entails that it warrants repeated listens. It is nothing original or innovative as such, but it is certainly enjoyable, well-crafted, and cool. Play this fucker loud!