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After the eerie intro that sets the scene of being at a campsite in the little country town in New South Wales known as Gunnedah; where the lads are from, it ends with what sounds like something from a horror film with something coming from the billabong. Blood will spill as blistering opener Hell on Earth takes a hold and is destined to bring just that ‘Hell on Earth.’ A big thing in their hometown, you would think the band would be better known in other parts as they sound world class with the eight tracks laid on the table here.
Not short of a stomping riff by guitarist Steven Randall and inspiring solo from the get-go. John Fogarty pounds the kit, thrashing away to the bass groove of cousin Mick, which stands out on second track the brilliant Oblivion. Vocalist Nigel Huntley lets out a mighty roar and some growls to please the likes of Beelzebub. The band sound like Australia’s very own Machine Head, and we’re talking about the band when they were at their peak with Burn My Eyes and The More Things Change.
It is hard to pick standouts as the album surely is all killer no filler. The epic Rolling Thunder, being the first song I heard of the band after watching the clip has that classic metal feel to it. The chorus is catchy, and the clean vocals make a nice touch. You will be singing it in your head in no time, and it warms up for next track, Shadows of the Wall which has more speed than Usain Bolt. The guitar solo goes down a treat with gang vocals, and the slaughter of the drum skins are sure to rattle your walls. With a blend of 80’s thrash and speed metal sure to please fans of all genres. When you think you have heard it, all death growls are present on the killer track Sword of Mars, which are most welcome to the average Black Metal fan. The track slays.
From the chugging riff of Creator/Destroyer that stops and starts like a roller coaster – at the top ready to drop coming off the rails to the stomping sing-a-long We Rule The Night and the fun album closer Steven the Destroyer; said to be a fan favourite at local shows, the ride home is all smooth sailing. With a story behind it thanks to guitarist Steven who was running late to band practice. I think Steve made up for it with some infectious guitar solos. It seems the band has been around for a lot longer than their inception in 2013. If this is only the debut record, just imagine what the future holds in store for these young thrash purists.
Get the album on Itunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/…/…/billabong-of-blood/id1156719468
Listen to Billabong of Blood on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/0LL8N0VuqOkBBshehRV65h
Also available on Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/music/artist/billabong_of_blood?id=A4bz3qxrqcc6ij7e4outj7rmhmq
