Review HIRAX “Faster Than Death”

Hirax are one of the pioneers of thrash metal. Formed in 1984 in Buena Park, California, Hirax became a well-known name in thrash metal and their first two albums are great examples of thrash metal from the West Coast.

Despite a fairly successful start, Hirax never made it to the top. Instead, the band disbanded in 1989.
The new century was also the starting point for the band to reunite, and today it is frontman Katon W. de Pena who is the driving force. With a new line-up, including Neil Metcalf and Danny Walker, Hirax began working on a new album, their first studio release in eleven years.

“Faster Than Death” is the title of the Californian metal band’s sixth album. Well, longplayer is a big word for this release. Nine songs and a running time of 22 minutes isn’t exactly what you think of as “long”. But the good thing is that what is on the tracklist is really blistering thrash metal with a strong oldschool vibe.

“Drill Into The Brain” is a furious opener, a one minute thrash metal blast. Some punk bands have longer songs. However, there is no foot on the brake as the full-speed road trip continues with the blistering “Armageddon. Hirax boil thrash metal down to its essence, which also applies to the groove-driven “Drowned Bodies. These songs are headbanging treats and you can just imagine the circle pit that songs like the title track will set off.

Hirax don’t change their approach during the whole album and why should they? What comes out of the speakers is old school thrash metal with edges. The latter also applies to the sound. “Faster Than Death” does not have the rawness of 80s thrash metal.

“Revenant” is the ‘long distance runner’ of the album, clocking in at nearly four minutes. Finding the right balance between speed and groove, “Revenant” showcases a band that doesn’t have to rely solely on immense speed.

To wrap up: “Faster Than Death” is fast. It is a blistering thrash metal album reminiscent of the heyday of metal. While bands like Metallica and Slayer have gone on to claim the throne of thrash metal, it’s bands like Hirax that have maintained their underground status, putting savage metal over maintaining a brand.