Given vocalist Rob Dukes holding pattern for all activities Exodus related while guitarist Gary Holt devotes the lion’s share of his touring time with Slayer, it shouldn’t be surprising that he channels his creative efforts into this band’s second album “We’re All Gonna Die”. This New York quintet is not purely thrash, displaying elements of punk, crossover metal, and power groove to keep the songwriting dynamic and exciting.
“Prophets of War” for the first half of its 6:23 timeframe appears to be a slower, dark ballad in Pantera fashion before kicking the tempo up to blitzkrieg thrash speed and Rob’s spitfire screams and the band’s gang-like chorus steamrolls in classic high octane fashion. Lead guitarist Jason Trenzcer fires off shred licks to open “Friendly Fire”, while the band throw a curve ball in the appropriately named “Carny Love” between the piped in carnival narrative, and slow swanky bass antics from Rob Moschetti. I enjoy the fact that Generation Kill alternate between quicker, punk-infused material that is short and sweet and then expand their horizons on a couple of tracks- including the 7:51 “There Is No Hope” which showcases more of Rob’s confident clean work and some killer slow melodic instrumental parts from Jason and fellow guitarist Jason Velez during the conclusion that may remind some of “Master of Puppets” era Metallica.
Tough as nails and taking no prisoners, “We’re All Gonna Die” should have across the board appeal for the current generation as well as those who grew up in the punk/hardcore/thrash crossover days of the 80’s and early 90’s.
Matt Coe, HMS
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