Warfield
With The Old Breed
Napalm Records
Released: 04/04/2025
9/10
Warfield - With The Old Breed Introduction
Ferocious, relentless, and packed with unyielding thrash aggression - Warfield's latest offering, With The Old Breed, is a ten-track assault that firmly cements the German trio's place in the modern thrash landscape. Releasing on April 4th through Napalm Records, the album pays homage to the raw intensity of the early thrash genre while injecting plenty of their own originality. Consisting of brothers Johannes Clemens (vocals and bass) and Matthias Clemens (guitar), alongside drummer Dominik Marx, Warfield draws from the sonic savagery of early Destruction, Sodom, and Kreator, with a nod to crossover thrash, Bay Area thrash, and a blackened vocal edge. But make no mistake - this isn't a mere exercise in nostalgia.
Warfield's razor-sharp songwriting and instinct for crafting memorable hooks set them apart, ensuring every track delivers both blistering aggression and undeniable replay value. The cover artwork, a striking piece that perfectly complements the album's chaos, serves as a fitting visual representation of the carnage within.
Discovering Warfield - A Firsthand Introduction
I first encountered Warfield at the 70,000 Tons of Metal festival earlier this year, where they were a last-minute addition. Despite the festival's massive lineup, they quickly became the talk of the ship. Performing two blistering sets, the Clemens brothers were unstoppable — darting across the stage, leaping from risers, and commanding the crowd with raw intensity. Warfield's music hit with crushing force, each track igniting a frenzy in the pit. The band previewed songs from With The Old Breed, amplifying my anticipation for the album's release. Their blend of savage thrash and undeniable stage presence made them one of the most memorable acts of the festival - and now, they've captured that same energy on record.
With The Old Breed - Track by Track Analysis
'Melting Mass' sets the album tone with a piercing vocal wail that demands immediate attention. The blistering riffs and blackened tinged vocals call back to the earliest days of country mates Destruction, Sodom and Kreator; while the bass thunders with agility and authority. The chorus is vicious but memorable, a signature of Warfield's knack for pairing extreme aggression with undeniable catchiness. Following up is 'Appetitive Aggression', a masterclass in controlled viciousness. The slower grinding opening riff evolves into a devastating thrash groove before bursting into full-blown fury. The blistering pace of the drumming and bass ensures the track maintains an overwhelming sense of accelerating momentum. And the bands secret weapon returns - a monumental chorus. Perfect for the mosh pit!
'Soul Conqueror' takes a slightly different route, with a haunting intro that soon erupts into a rhythmic assault. Matthias Clemens' riff work shines here, adding a melodic complexity without sacrificing the track's brutality. And have I mentioned Johannes Clemens' bass contribution? It's perfectly positioned in the mix, more than making up for the fact the band only has a single guitarist. 'Tie the Rope' doubles down on the darkness, leaning into a more evil atmosphere with its slower riffs and early guttural vocal delivery. The mid-track acceleration brings a violent intensity that's tailor-made for neck breaking head banging. Thick crushing riffs and bass lines anchor the song, while the gang vocals towards the end lend an anthemic quality to the track.
'Lament of the White Realm', is a testament to Warfield's versatility. Johannes Clemens delivers one of his most dynamic vocal performances, ranging from agonizing screams to more emotional vocal hooks. The tempo shifts keep the track unpredictable and engaging, with intricate guitar flourishes add another layer of depth. On the other hand, 'Fragmentation' offers a crossover-inspired thrash anthem, injecting punk energy into its gang vocal-driven chorus. The standout guitar solo section is a clear highlight, showcasing the band's ability to balance technicality with the raw intensity of the rhythm section.
'Inhibition Atrophy' further exemplifies Warfield's songwriting prowess, fusing blistering thrash aggression with moments of melodic catchiness. The bass guitar once again takes center stage, providing a monstrous foundation beneath searing guitar solos and piercing riffs. 'Dogs For Defense' follows suit, leaning into crossover territory again. The vicious vocal delivery is complemented by one of the most infectious choruses on the album, punctuated by the group backing vocals. A blistering musical section wraps up the track in spectacular fashion.
The seven-minute epic 'GASP' showcases Warfield's willingness to experiment. Beginning with a slow, doom-inspired crawl, the song gradually builds in intensity, incorporating haunting keyboard effects and a monstrous death metal influenced vocal delivery. The track's ever-shifting tempos, intricate drumming, bass solo segment, and overall atmosphere make it one of the most ambitious offerings on the record, demonstrating the band's depth and creativity.
Finally, 'With The Old Breed' delivers a full-throttle thrash finale. It erupts into a relentless barrage of riffs and aggressive blackened tinged vocals. The track's brief slower reprieve towards the middle offers just enough breathing room before returning to all-out intensity, closing with an ominous bass-driven outro. Warfield closes the album with a bold cover of Nuclear Assault's 'F# (Wake Up)' - a bonus track on certain formats, injecting their signature thrash flair into the classic track. Johannes Clemens' blackened thrash vocal approach adds a fresh edge, while the band's tight musicianship ensures it hits with the same raw energy as the original. It's one of the most memorable thrash covers in recent memory.
Conclusion
With The Old Breed is a fierce declaration of Warfield's place in the thrash metal scene. Combining razor-sharp riffs, ferocious bass playing, blistering drumming and venomous vocals, the band captures the essence of classic thrash while injecting a modern, blackened edge. From the blistering pace of tracks like 'Melting Mass' and 'Appetitive Aggression' to the dark, atmospheric weight of 'GASP', Warfield showcases both their versatility and unrelenting intensity. Each song leaves a lasting impact, driven by the band's knack for memorable choruses and crushing instrumental prowess.
With this album, Warfield has cemented themselves as one of the most exciting acts in modern thrash. With The Old Breed confidently holds its own alongside the best 2025 thrash releases so far, including standout records from Sacrifice and Warbringer. If you're searching for an adrenaline-fueled listening experience, Warfield's latest delivers in spades. Crank it loud, brace yourself, and prepare for a relentless onslaught of thrash metal fury. The albums press release says it best: Call your Chiropractor - Warfield has arrived with breakneck force!
Billy K. @668_neighbor_of_the_beast, HMS