FOG OF WAR

With a band member called Mosh Branum (vocals, lead guitar),it is clear that FOG OF WAR makes no bones about the style of music heard on their self-titled debut. Yup, this is thrash metal played with old school pride and electric spirit. Originally self-released in 2009, Stormspell Records reissued it with new cover art and three bonus demo cuts that enhance the album's value.

The main point to make about the album is that FOG OF WAR offers a pretty stout collection of rip-roarin' thrash metal tunes that do nothing to alter the genre blueprint and it appears that was never the intent in the first place. Inclusive of a couple of vets from HATCHET and ZOMBIE HOLOCAUST, the unit performs with conviction and obvious influences that include classic-era acts like EXODUS, VIO-LENCE, and NUCLEAR ASSAULT, as well as some nods to the crossover work of D.R.I. and similarities to newer groups like MUNICIPAL WASTE. In other words, there is nothing here that you've not already heard, but the songs are smartly assembled and the delivery is flame-engulfed. The biggest EXODUS tribute, intentional or otherwise, comes in the form of an aptly titled and downright fun banger called "M.O.S.H." In addition to the chain sawing riffs and screaming solos is some impressive bass playing from Nick Mamere whose presence in the mix is quite active and shines brightest during a solo on "M.C.T." The bonus track versions of "Fog of War (Classic Version)" and "Six-Packin' Heat (Demo '05)" are worth hearing, while bonus "Drunk Song (Demo '05)" is a solid instrumental that includes some acoustic guitar work.

There is plenty to enjoy on this one, especially for diehard fans of vintage thrash, even if new standards haven't been established. They're no HAVOK, but few are and that's far from a reason to ignore this fierce thrasher. It also happens to be a better album than HATCHET's "Awaiting Evil" (2008) in case that tidbit of information is somehow important to you.