NADIMAC

Serbian crossover thrash released on a Chinese label and reviewed by a U.S. journalist. If that doesn't speak to the massive changes brought to the world of metal through the power of the Internet then…well, I'm sure there are other examples. The point is the virtual world continues to shrink and make spreading the word about your band as easy as clicking a mouse. It also speaks volumes about the planet's one universal language and its continued relevance: heavy metal. Belgrade's NADIMAC may sing in its native tongue, but its crossover dialect is easily understood by fans across the globe that can't get enough of D.R.I. and all its offshoots, as well as vintage thrash and speed metal.

"Pro Kratkom Postupku" is another in step forward for NADIMAC. It's not because the guys have tossed the crossover blueprint into the circular file; only because they've improved the songwriting and recording whilst staying true to the frantic speeds and chainsaw riffing that has formed the basis of its sound since day one. One tight outfit, NADIMAC shifts pace at the stop of a dime and kicks out numerous righteous riffs held together by a common thread, yet never interchangeable and spiced up with a bevy of little twists guaranteed to grab your attention. It is demonstrated right out of the gates with the one-two opening punch of "Hapsi sve" and "Izmedju dve vatre". Nods to everyone from KREATOR and SODOM to OVERKILL and EXODUS are found amidst the controlled crossover chaos. Inventive, often melodic, leads are matched with prominent bass lines and vocals from Danilo "Dača" Trbojevic that the world's leading medical journals would term "apeshit nuts." The Serbs have even included English lyrics on a couple of tracks, "Grinding Crossfire" and the excellent "Suicidal Command". Offering a ridiculously brief rendition — sort of anyway — of KREATOR's "Pleasure to Kill" is just NADIMAC having a bit of fun.

With guest appearances from members of CRIPPLE BASTARDS and Japan's FASTKILL to make the effort that much more internationally flavored, "Po Kratkom Postupku" is a true blue display of thrashing crossover mayhem. The fact that you may have heard it before in various forms will do nothing to keep you from moshing with vigor. There's a good chance you may throw your back out in the process too. That's a sure sign of a real deal.