Released on: 29th April 2022
Slave Driver is the newest album from olden Hollands’ veterans of detestation Dead Head that promises riffs crammed with maliciousness [sic.] Rather, Dead Head deliver hyper-fast aural violence. Those of which they so succinctly describe in their press release. Does what it says on the nickel wound string– you can’t argue with that.
Dead Head fire straight into a tacit onslaught. Spitting out acidic rhymes and crispy licks. While incorporating a spellbinding barrage of acerbic vocals. Intensely mixed amid driven guitar riffs. Into an ominous cacophony of anger and resentment. They call it Thrash, and it is very good.
Slave Driver is filled with a bad attitude. Of which it presents a grimey, unapologetic and unrepentant glory. Relentless in its advance. And, adding to the flare is the skill of some very talented musicians. Where, they have captured the rawness of unfettered emotions when binding their ‘tude into a coherent incursion of desire.
There are some great solos, driving rhythms and quotable cadences sprinkled throughout this seventh album. For all its worth, Slave Driver is a very competent thrash album. But, it ain’t got the flow like Waters or the crown like King. Great album but it is not about to annihilate Slayer.
7/10
