Legends of the early 80’s speed/thrash scene, California’s Hirax wear their metal ideals proudly. Vocalist Katon W. de Pena spent a lot of time as a roadie, early tape trader, and promoter of the worldwide scene- while also getting proper accolades for Hirax’s efforts. Immortal Legacy is the band’s fourth full length studio record, and first for new label SPV- along with a reunion of sorts for legendary producer Bill Metoyer who was a key player in the early developmental years of Bay Area/ Metal Blade acts.
After a rewinding tape intro, the speed riffs and up tempo charge of “Black Smoke” indicates these veterans mean business in an Exciter meets Forbidden manner: leads blazing out of every corner, relentless double bass terror and Katon’s commanding, over the top melodies pulling things together. You’ll get 9 songs and 3 instrumentals – the latter ranging from a 42 second Mike Guerrero neo-classical oriented guitar break in “Earthshaker” to an 85 second Steve Harrison bass interlude that fans of Steve Harris (coincidence name-wise?) and Cliff Burton will enjoy on “Atlantis (Journey to Atlantis)”.
Hirax possess the knack to roll out the right chord combinations that provoke, cajole, and unleash the metal fury within the audience. Check out the steamroller “Hellion Rising” or the Dark Angel-like “Violence of Action” if you miss the power of speed thrash that is tight on one end but ready to run off the rails due to its arresting intensity. Another wise move is keeping the album length at a reasonably tidy 38 minutes and change, keeping any sign of tediousness or boredom to a minimum.
Comeback of the year? Considering they’ve been back in the scene since 2000, I think not. Immortal Legacy is an outstanding effort from a seasoned group of musicians that know what it is to play and perform speed/thrash metal through and through.
Matt Coe, HMS
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