Canadian Thrashers NOVICHOK “Geo-Desiccant” is a solid collection of Thrashing Groove Metal delivered with a tightness many bands only wish to have. They’re right in the pocket and know exactly when to kick it into gear and slow things down. On top of that their lyrics, vocals (lead and gang) are very clever, leaning into some slight humor at times too.
You are certainly convinced these guys are serious musicians, but I don’t think they take themselves so serious they can’t have a little fun, and I’m sorry, songs like “Apes With Sticks”, “Dead Weight”, “Tire Fire” and “Thrash Free” actually put a grin on my face, it was a maniacal grin, maybe like the Jokers’, but a grin nonetheless.
What makes this album more than just another “thrash” album is the diversity in the music. The majority of the album is Thrash-based, but then you come to “Predicting Terror” that is closer to Iron Maiden and the NWOBHM, followed by “Geo-Desiccant” that’s slow, dark and heavy delivery will please the Sabbath fans. They nail both track so well I could easily hear them do a full album of each style. The final track “Heat Death” actually encapsulates all of their style into one song better than any other track.
The bottom like is that Novichok is just a killer HEAVY METAL band at the end of the day who have seemingly mastered many styles to create their own. They might even be ahead of their time by delivering an album with the much diversity AND cohesion. They have carved their own sound and style and I personally can’t wait to follow this band for a long time.
Track Listing:
- Thrash Free or Die – 5:06
- First World Poisons – 5:31
- Tire Fire – 3:18
- Apes with Sticks – 4:41
- Freedom Fighters Manual – 4:59
- Dead Weight – 3:30
- Predicting Terror – 5:52
- Geo-Desiccant – 7:17
- Heat Death – 6:10
Album Length: 46:28
Album Lineup:
Vocals: Jeff MacDonald
Guitar: Lindsey Dicks
Bass Guitar: Jason Young, Brady Hallet (Dead Weight)
Drums: Andrew MacIntosh
More info: http://www.novichok.ca
