Bonded – Rest in Violence
8/10
Behold! The Bastard child of Sodom is unleashed. No matter how much I wanted to exclude previous employer from this review it is not possible to do just that. 22 Years in a band will rub of on you in future endeavors. Added to this is that some of the songs were written with Sodom in mind before the abrupt exit.
This is a very good thrash album in my view. Not so much revolutionizing the genre but a stable, raw and aggressive collection of songs.
I happen to believe that old thrash bands do better music now then earlier in their career. Sound is cleaner, production is crisper most of the time and personally I get more out of that then the old wanting to sound like it is recorded on a tape recorder in the rehearsal room.
The album has all the ingredients that makes it memorable. The barbwire guitars, tempo, changes in tempo and a range of different tempos. Probably the first thrash album I have heard that has harmonica on it.
The title track is to me the standout track. For several reasons. It is a great song, but to bring in Overkills singer Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth just lifts the song to higher ground. It just has everything I wish for in a good song of this genre.
When looking for references to describe this album you (apart from the obvious Sodom) must include Exodus for riffs and aggression. It is a German thrash band, so Kreator & Destruction are in there to. The more surprising reference to me is that I hear Crowbar in both “No Cure for Life” and the finishing track “The Outer Ruin”.
So; if you have a desire for some headbanging, tension releasing listening, this is an album for you. The whole experience of this album is enjoyable. Also, the experience of the participating players bargains for quality.
Quality on it´s own is sometimes not enough, but here it is delivered with intent.
Looking forward to and hoping for the next album in the not too distant future.
Band: Bonded
Title: Rest in Violence
Label: Century Media
Date of release: 2020-01-17
Rate: 8/10
Stand out track: Rest in Violence
