Up until now, their most powerful endeavor has been No Mercy From Electric Eyes, their most recent studio offering. Despite the departure of Fair and a few other lineup changes, this project’s core fusion of groove-infused modern thrash and heavy hardcore elements remains strong and continues to evolve. With the inclusion of Shadows Fall vocalist Brian Fair, bassist and co-founder of Killswitch Engage Mike D’Antonio, and several other musicians with ties to the Massachusetts metalcore scene, the formation of hardcore-influenced modern thrash metal band Death Ray Vision took place in the early 2010s. The fact that this group of musicians manages to strike a balanced approach, incorporating the distinctive stylistic elements they are known for without simply duplicating them, is arguably more impressive. They make a conscious effort to avoid sounding like a carbon copy or too similar to the primary bands they are associated with, which is often the case with side projects that can be considered supergroups.
The album in question is a technically involved and musically diverse presentation that leans more towards the melodic end of the metal death spectrum. It often splits the difference between the thrash and groove metal of the 90s, with an interesting blend of riff work riding on top of a thunderous battery from the rhythm section. This is what really sells the album. Keith Bennett, the lead vocalist who hails from Boston, brings a uniquely southern twang to his delivery, often gravely shouting in a mid-range tone that recalls the groove/thrash exploits of Pro-Pain in the 90s. However, this album is still reminiscent of the gritty and stripped-down fashion of several other prominent New England outfits that made their mark during the metalcore craze of the 2000s. It is laced into a template that is harmonically consonant and Gothenburg-influenced, reminiscent of the ferocious thrashing of Sepultura and the vintage grooves of Pantera. But despite these influences, it still showcases a decidedly modern edge and unapologetic display of raw metallic aggression. Given the title, it naturally evokes futuristic and dystopian connotations.
The Destroyer, known as “Rafters From The Great O,” and “Bangers Shorter,” mayhem may be unleashed with a high-octane, crossover, and hard-hitting crushing force of about 20 tons, comparable to an anvil. The swagger of the Abyss-like “Reaper” in the Seasons of the In, would be remiss to let alone. Additionally, this album features memorable moments, with a culminating exchange towards the end, highlighted by a wickedly solo guitar. The emulation of Bay Area faithful, almost 100% faithful, to the groove metal-tinged Southern fury of the “Cowards Forth Crawl” and the “Answer Is Armageddon” fest, stands out. Similarly, the band displays their metallic proclivities with involved and varied blows, trading in their ambitious and uniform expressions. The opening anthem, “Machine War The Praise,” and “King The Behead,” are like speed machines breaking out. The general flavor of this album plays its methodically and pretty, standing out as a reasonably nuanced mixture of influences from the NWOAHM. It is essentially a shot straight of unrelenting rage, heavier than Lamb of God, but also not stopping at the fall of Shadows.
The band’s overall sound in this work is solid, but occasionally it feels like they are holding back a bit on the sonic possibilities that could be explored. Compared to some noteworthy works from Killswitch Engage, the rest of the band doesn’t fully gel with Howard Jones at the helm, and it’s likely that Bennett needs more time to rest and fully integrate with the rest of the band. Since the mid-2000s, Lamb of God has been a staple in the groove/thrash genre, and this album draws heavily upon those influences. In stark contrast, the dynamic arrangement lacks noticeable contrast, and the vocals generally lack dimension, making it lose some punch after successive listens. However, this album checks all the boxes for a modern, lean, thrashing machine.
Released By: Metal Blade Records Release Date: June 30th, 2023 Genre: Thrash Metal / Hardcore.
Musicians:
No Mercy From Electric Eyes Track-Listing:
The new light of Saturn devours his young, this is hell mine. Deeper in here, right in the dark, but not by words alone, tyrants weep.
Order No Mercy By Electric Eyes at THIS ADDRESS.