Battlecross
Rise to Power
Metal Blade
Release Date: Out Now
Review by Kevin Prested
Rise To Power is Battlecross’ third Metal Blade album in four years and follows a busy period of some high profile appearances since the bands last full length, War of Will. This new release kicks off in full thrash metal flight with some very jagged and sharp edges indeed, showcasing tight arrangements with a galloping pace.
Battlecross do have a knack of creating some chaotic sounding song structures at times that are actually water tight, and remain catchy throughout with the right dose melody sitting a top clean guitar sounds that helps showcase the band’s ability to write a killer riff. The dual vocal effect also helps to add depth to proceedings on some of the melodic and rapid fire tracks such as Spoiled with its awesome twin lead break and anthemic feel. At times Battlecross can be punishingly pummelling and yet even though the band draws it’s chops from various metal stylings, Rise To Power remains captivating throughout.
Though there are a few slight reprieves, there isn’t much letting up on this record in terms of pace and technical thrash assault for the entire journey, that clocks in around the 35 minute mark. Fans of modern clean melodic death and thrash metal should eat this up.