Act of Defiance
Birth and The Burial
Label: Metal Blade Records
Release Date: 21st August
“Birth and Burial” is the debut release from Act of Defiance, comprising former Megadeth members Chris Broderick ,and Shawn Drover, with former Scar the Martyr frontman Henry Derek, and Shadows Fall guitarist Matt Bachand , its full to the brim with aggressive ,beastly gems.
The album opens with the six minute long " Throwback " this for me is the standout track, without a doubt its brutality and non stop savagery will beat you to the edge of your life.
The relentless , powerful Thrash athon never lets up as “"Legion of Lies” storms into the room with some killer riffs from the opening , then the songs tempo changes and slows down as vocalist Henry Derek snarls and gnashes his teeth producing menacing verses and heart stopping vibes, while the guitars buzzed , and crackled like a swarm of killer bees! ”
"Thy Lord Belial" wreaks havoc , a potent mix of Power drenched Metal to bang your head to.
A bit of respite is in order as "Refrain and Refracture” opens building slowly, then the drums thunder like a call to arms, seeing the song come fully to life with a chorus that is catchy as hell and there is scintillating musicianship from this supergroup.
“DeadStare" is a feverish number to mosh to crashing into the wall of death at a hundred miles an hour, as this tune progresses it slows ,and will have the Metal Hordes chanting, and punching the air without a doubt.
"Disastrophe" sees some intense shredding and Drovers drumming simply enthrals you.
Track seven “"Poison Dream”" opens with a doleful orchestration and sombre piano playing then plunges you into a frenzy of devilish vocals that bombard and batter your consciousness.
Like the previous track "“Obey The Fallen"” opens in a melancholic manner and together with the opening track is a real highlight, simply put, it is compelling.
"Crimson Psalm" is an anthem that bleeds , oozing with intense riffs this is a pure Metal Meltdown. Final track "“Birth and the Burial”" is an inspirational finish to a cracking debut from Act of Defiance, its chugging riffs and overall delivery capture you , drawing you in and you will hit replay again, and again , then starting over with the whole album ,so to sum up,
The guitarmanship from Chris Boderick, Matt Bachand combined with Shawn Drovers drumming and Henry Dereks Vocals is simply frenetic , absolutely magnificent, outstanding throughout this has to be heard by everyone who loves their Metal Thrashing !!
Review: Seb Di Gatto Score:9/10
Track listing:
01. Throwback
02. Legion of Lies
03. Thy Lord Belial
04. Refrain and Re-Fracture
05. Dead Stare
06. Disastrophe (A New Reality)
07. Poison Dream
08. Obey the Fallen
09. Crimson Psalm
10. Birth and the Burial
Members: Chris Broderick - Guitar, Henry Derek - Vocals, Shawn Drover - Drums, Matt Bachand - Bass
