ANGELUS APATRIDA
The Call
[Century Media]
Verdict: 7.5/10
RIYL: THRASH METAL

When it comes to good old thrash metal, I’m sure the last place you’ll think of is Spain. The Bay Area (California) has traditionally been the hotbed for the dying genre, but ANGELUS APATRIDA is here to change that. Their latest release combines all of the fury of old-school thrash metal with the fun of NWOBHM greats JUDAS PRIEST. The album opener, “You Are Next” sets the stage for what to expect: just turn off your brain and prepare your neck for some much-needed headbanging. Each of the ten tracks on the album is chocked full of fast and furious riffs and glorious solos. It’s an album that feels like it was stored in a vault for the past twenty years and allowed to ferment. While there is little that is new on The Call, the nostalgia factor is high enough to negate that complaint. The only major issue many listeners will have with the album is the throwback vocals of vocalist Guillermo Izquierdo, who has a fairly melodic yell that is fairly uncommon in 2012, but it still fits the music quite well; that just means the vocals may take a couple listens to appreciate. Overall, fans of thrash metal have a new obsession that should satiate their need for headbanging and fun, both of which are necessities for any metalhead. – by Nicholas Senior

>> Recommended Listening: “You Are Next” and “Fresh Pleasure”
>> Release Date: April 24th, 2012
>> Conclusion: The album is unquestionably old-school, but it’s success is driven from how much fun this thrash metal release is.