First and foremost, let me preface this review by saying that my thoughts are with Evile after the untimely passing of bassist Mike Alexander. While not as a result of unnatural causes if you will, Mike’s passing reminds me too much of Cliff Burton’s death. Mike died right at the pinnacle of the band breaking out to a more mainstream metal audience, and its a shame when a member of our metal nation dies before realizing the potential of bringing to the masses some headbanging thrash. R.I.P. brother.

Alright, onto business. Infected Nations is the follow up to 2007’s Enter the Grave, and also the second to appear under the Earache label. Evile’s first album brought something to the table that many of their new wave of thrash metal peers could not, legitimacy amongst the elitist crowd who shunned this movement simply because they play a brand of thrash that has largely already been done, and better according to many. I personally love this new movement, however long it lasts as I am a sucker of thrash in most forms. Evile though, proved even the haters wrong, which was that classic thrash can be played with sincerity and legitimacy that didn’t turn them into squanderers of a bygone era that could never be replicated.

Ignoring all the elitists out there though, Infect Nations is a solid album, taking the course set forth on Enter the Grave with rapid fire riffs and drumwork that beckon comparison to early Metallica (and a much worthier comparison than Trivium’s attempts). Infect Nations, though, is clearly a more mature release. While Enter the Grave was more or less a one trick pony of speed, Infected Nations allows for a much more progressive feel, that, coincidentally, coincides with the evolution of Metallica. I am not saying that Evile are downright copycats, but its crystal clear that Metallica are a huge component of what makes Evile a band. Metal has always been about innovation while proudly wearing its influences on its sleeve. While Evile may not be the most innovative band on the planet, they are more than capable of writing quality riffs that even the most judgmental can’t help but appreciate. Sometimes it pays to reinterpret the classics, after all, they are called classics for a reason.

GOOD

Similar Artists: Metallica, Testament

1.    Infected Nation
2.    Now Demolition
3.    Nosophoros
4.    Genocide
5.    Plague To End All Plagues
6.    Devoid Of Thought
7.    Time No More
8.    Metamorphosis
9.    Hundred Wrathful Deities (Instrumental)

Matt Drake – Vocals, Guitars
Ol Drake – Guitars
Mike Alexander – Bass
Ben Carter – Drums

Earache Records

http://www.myspace.com/evileuk

http://www.evile.co.uk/

Review by CODY