Speed and thrash doesn’t always have to reinvent itself. There are times when sticking closely to those 80s roots will work perfectly well. For me, it’s all about the mood I’m in when the play button is struck. Thankfully for German quintet Vulture, their fifth album Sentinels caught me in very much the right place. Three years since their previous release, 2021’s Dealin’ Death, Vulture clearly have the bit between their teeth. "In direct comparison to the last album Dealin' Death, we've picked up the pace again noticeably, we're bolder and a bit wilder again. It was important to us to be catchy and to include choruses that stick. Of course, we've basically retained our style, but we've defined the framework of the songs more clearly," says guitarist Stefan Castevet. What we have here is a combination of influences and styles that stick closely to the classic thrash blueprint of both the Bay Area and the heartland of the German thrash movement. It’s a visceral combination that sees 11 songs smash their way through at high tempo. Gang chants, high-pitched vocals, searing lead guitar solos and an all-round race to the finish. It’s all here and overall, it’s something that should appeal to all thrash fans, old or new. We have the frenzied opening track in Screams from the Abattoir which rips out of the speakers in typically bombastic style. Then the gentle acoustic intro Transylvania, a calming interlude that leads into the face-melter that is Realm of the Impaler. The high screams of singer Leo Steeler are impressive, a cross between several metal singers, including John Cyriis of Agent Steel, Millie Petrozza, and countless others. At times, the band switch from unadulterated thrash to speed metal, tinges of early Helloween and Raven springing to mind, whilst it’s impossible to not think of King Diamond on Draw Your Blades, such is Steeler’s range.Whilst thrash is the dominant genre, the fusion of styles incorporates a decent chunk of traditional metal, as well as the speed elements. Where There’s a Whip (There’s A Way) may not win the best song title of all time but it’s a fine example of the chaos that Vulture bring to the party. Intense riffs, savage breaks and red-hot solos that burst out into your face. This is metal done with dual guitars (thanks to Mattes Outlaw and Stefan Castevet), and some powerful drumming.
It's not all thrash and bash though, as the instrumental Der Tod Trãgt Schwarzes Leder (Death Wears Black Leather) demonstrates. A quick Google search finds that this is a famous 1974 Italian film, whilst Oathbreaker is described by the band as “our homage to both the heroes and founders of our style in the late 70s and early 80s, as well as the brave among us who put everything on one card, pursue their passion and have found a way outside the social norm to understand heavy metal as their purpose in life”. Ultimately, Sentinels is an album you’ll either love or hate. It’s by no means original in any aspect, but if you want an album delivered at 100mph with no small amount of gusto and energy, then Vulture’s latest release is going to be one for you.
Sentinels is released on 12th April on Metal Blade Records
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