Back in 2003 guitarist Derek Schilling (Neglect) sent an email to Protector tribute site and heard back from original vocalist Martin Missy. Although Derek was living in New York and Martin in Sweden they discussed working together, so Derek sent him some songs that he had recorded with drummer Anthony Dalessio in 1999 and after further discussion Iron Shield showed interest in the band recording an album. So they got Anthony back in on drums and Derek recruited his friend Ryan (from Death/Doom bands Unearthly Trance/Serpentine Path) to do the leads while he concentrated on bass and rhythm guitar. All of the music was actually recorded in New York, while Martin added the vocals in Sweden.
The label are promoting this as raw thrash metal, and in many ways that is the best way of describing it. Although the vocals are gruff this never really falls into death, although it does come close at times. But, there are also plenty of elements of the dirtier NWOBHM scene, and there is more than the odd touch of early Slayer, Venom and Kreator in what is taking place. This is an enjoyable blast, but there is nothing here that really stands out, although there is nothing here that is really bad either. I have played the album through quite a few times, but as soon as it is finished there are nothing that really sticks in my mind. It would be interesting to catch these guys in concert to see how the music switches to that environmental as I am sure that it would be more brutal and possibly quicker to boot, but given that this very much an international project I doubt if that will veer take place. Interesting and enjoyable, but certainly not essential.
