Review FATAL COLLAPSE ‘Fatal Collapse’

Fatal Collapse is a rather new band. Founded in 2022 the four-piece released a first EP named ‘Hell is Here’ in May 2023 and it was the springboard for a deal with Hamburg-based label Cause Of Deaf Records.

Already the first release got some attention of Hamburg’s metal scene and the debut album wants to pick up on that momentum.

Fatal Collapse play thrash metal with a strong grooving factor embedded. That was what made the debut stand out and the longplayer offers a continuation. Without adjusting their musical compass, Fatal Collapse’s new effort includes nine songs and an intro. Two of these songs, ‘One of 86’ and ‘Torture’, have been part of the EP already and can be found in the bottom part of the tracklist.

The band’s first full-length album starts though with a short intro, leading to the first sonic blast. ‘Mental Annihilation’ is a fast-paced metal anthem while the slower and grooving moments add to the positive impression. ‘Mental Annihilation’ is a well-chosen representative of Fatal Collapse sound and creates an extra appetite for more.

On we go with ‘They Lie’ and the band stays true to their sound. It’s another fastball right through the strike zone while the crossover-inspired moments act as an extra dose of pepper for this well-crafted tune.

None of the ten songs on this debut is extensively long and most are even below the three-minute mark. This also means that the running time of the entire album is overseeable which is compensated by the impact of each of the songs.

There is no weak moment on this release. ‘Salvation’ is a thundering metal track and it is the galloping bass that starts ‘Ear to Ear’. The crossover links are more in the spotlight here while the mid-tempo stomper ‘Burn the Priest’ is a delight for headbangers. Equipped with smart breaks it is just fun to listen to these tracks. ‘Torture’ and ‘Serial Killer’ are equally good before the title track heralds the end of this accomplished release.

Fatal Collapse are on a winning streak and established themselves in a rather short period of time. With such a debut album in their back-pocket it should be possible for the four guys from Hamburg to get extra attention within Germany but also beyond borders. Well done guys.