Well, who would-a thunk it? We just covered the thrash revival in our 2000s feature, and look what finds its way into the review pile? Why, it's yet another 80s thrash band that's reunited! Yep, it looks like every group of guys that ever did palm-muted speed picking 20 years ago is suddenly jumping back on stage. This particular group of guys would be Virginia's AT WAR, who released two full-lengths in the mid-to-late 80s, in addition to landing on the diamond mine "Speed Metal Hell" compilation alongside better-known acts like WHIPLASH and ARTILLERY. So once again, don't feel bad if they don't sound familiar. However, DO feel bad if you miss out a second time, because unlike many of the lackluster reunions of the past few years, this one's actually worth hearing.

So what makes this one worth the time of thrash metal maniacs worldwide? In the wake of younger bands using obvious digital trickery, "Infidel" is one of the most authentic old-school sounding thrash metal releases in recent memory. The meaty analog production, which is apparently on loan from "Arise" -era SEPULTURA, makes these guys sound like they've been cryogenically frozen for the past two decades. And just like one should expect from any thrash album worth its weight in patches, "Infidel" is fucking fast. These E-tuned riffs race with more ferocity than the Micro Machines guy on meth and don't let up until the album's end. Every member of this trio holds their end, whether it's the stylish licks of Shawn Hessel, the percussive rapid-firing of Dave Stone or the commanding monotone gruff of frontman Paul Arnold. And of course, a huge aspect of AT WAR that sets them apart is their… patriotism? Wait, this is thrash metal, isn't it? The genre where guys like EXODUS beat listeners over the head with anti-American metaphors? Well, even folks with polar opposite opinions won't feel beat over the head with this album, so kudos to these guys for going against the grain.

Of course, there's still room for a bit of nitpicking. The overabundance of speed can get tiresome, making both song variety and the ability to choose a stand-out track virtually nonexistent. And remember what I said about thrash metal being a primal genre with little room to evolve? Well, any accusations of this being a dated album wouldn't be unfounded, especially when they use that "This is my rifle" chant from "Full Metal Jacket" in the intro of "Semper Fi" (yep, never heard that before). And while I can appreciate tongue-in-cheek humor and shock value, classic cut "Rapechase" is a painfully immature concept that would have been better off forgotten and not re-recorded. All these criticisms aside, the album's sound is worth the price of admission alone, and the band's level of energy is more than adequate to suit the genre's standards. And while there's no doubt plenty more reunions of obscure acts further down the horizon, here's hoping they follow the example of AT WAR and not embarrass themselves.

- Cardona

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/atwartheband

RELATED ITEMS: No related articles at this time.