South Australian thrashers ALKIRA have finally released their much anticipated debut album. After the release of the fantastic “Red Devil” EP last year the band have now followed it up with their debut album “Juggernaut”
Having built up a huge following through relentless touring, supporting the likes of Havok, Fear Factory, Municipal Waste, Warbringer and King Parrot among others the band have continued to impress crowds with their relentless pace and incredible energy. I was lucky enough to see this guys at the 2014 Legions of Steel show and was blown away by their stage presence. They were sandwiched on the bill between other local thrashers like Harlott, Malakyte and Party Vibez and they truly stood out on their own and didn’t get lost in the shuffle.
The album kicks off with the track “Chains” which really sets the pace of the album. It shows with the intro that the guys have progressing musically but without losing any off the speed and rawness of the tracks from the previous E.P.
They guys have shown some serious musical growth on this album. The guitars on this album are phenomenal. Gregory Challis’ lead work has grown in leaps and bounds and the vocals are still brutal and raw. The band sounds super tight together as a unit.
The band has managed to infuse a lot of melodic elements on this album on tracks like “Chains” and “The Fleet” but they still retain the thrash metal elements that are the core strength of the band.
Also tracks like “Submission Therapy” and “Institution” are full on thrash metal tracks that will melt your face off. Thrash metal in its purist form.
The real stand out track on the album is the title track “Juggernaut” which really has this slow plodding pace that makes it seem really heavy and almost doom-laden. Its a beast of a track and my personal favourite on the album.
As a whole this album is a fantastic display of everything these guys are capable of and show that while this is only their debut album they have so much to offer musically and are still growing in leaps and bounds. I cant wait to see these guys out live supporting the album. It will be amazing to see where they can go to from here.
This album is a must for all metal fans. These guys are so great they have some to offer everyone.
“Juggernaut” is available October 18
Head over to the bands Bandcamp page now to download their cover of the Sepultura classic “Inner Self” now for free
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