Review ANGELUS APATRIDA ‘Aftermath’

Somehow I always have the feeling of a relatively young band when it comes to Angelus Apatrida. Well, at least as far as the time span in which the foursome is active is concerned, it should be said that the band has been of age for quite some time. Formed in 2000, it is now already 23 years in which the quartet has released seven longplayers, and heralds this fall with a new album.

‘Aftermath’ is the latest release of the Spaniards and it is ten new thrash metal anthems that show that the band has more than established itself in the metal scene, which also means that the Iberians will gain two well-known supporters. On the one hand there is Hatebreed’s mainman Jamey Jasta who contributed with vocals and shouts to the massive bonebreaker called ‘Snob’. The hybrid of metal and hardcore is a brilliant moment on the album. You can feel the unbridled energy the song radiates and I’d be surprised if Angelus Apatrida wouldn’t integrate this anthem into their live shows.

The musical range of the spanish band is apparent in the closer ‘Vultures and Butterflies’. This is more of an epic metal anthem in which Queensryche singer Todd La Torre delivers a brilliant guest contribution. His amazing voice, the thrashy riffs and the catchy chorus are pure metal that you always enjoy listening to.

Not to forget in this context the cooperation with Sho-Hai, a rapper who supports the band on ‘What Kills Us All’. Well, this combination is not new and if it leads to such a smashing result as on ‘What Kills Us All’, then gladly more of it.

And even if Spanish guitarist Pablo Garcia contributes with some virtuoso moments, Angelus Apatrida have enough firepower of their own to convince all along the line.

‘Scarvenger’, the opener, is an up-tempo track that puts you in the right mood and also the following ‘Cold’ is a pleasure for every headbanger. Somewhat more moderate qua tempo, it is a throbbing thrash metal track that gives a lot of satisfaction with its merciless power.

With ‘Rats’ the four guys increase the tempo again before they deliver a true milestone with ‘To Whom It May Concern’. Acoustic and calm, that’s how this almost nine-minute epic begins, before quickly developing into a brutal thrasher.

Summary: Angelus Apatrida show with ‘Aftermath’ that thrash metal still lives on boundless energy. After more than 20 years, this band is still hungry, while some established acts of their age are just chasing their own legend status.