FINAL BREATH
I think what most surprised me about this band was their name, which reeks of 1980's cheeseball names. Let's face it, shouldn't someone have had this name for their band back in like 1985? I wouldn't be surprised if this isn't the first band to brandish the title of FINAL BREATH. Heck, look at the artwork and the Old Schoolisms couldn't get any stronger! Whatever the case, this German outfit plays what you expect them to play: Aggro-Thrash that rides the Death Metal razor's edge.The title track kicks in after a nifty intro and buildup and is just what you would expect - ballbusting Death/Thrash without a melody in sight. However, the band shift gears quickly and the album alternates unpredictably from slow to fast to mid-paced and back to fast again. I am a bit disappointed that the band didn't focus more on the faster elements as those are the times I found most enjoyable on Mind Explosion. However, this is an album that truly keeps the listener guessing at pace and direction. Take the track "Break Down", my personal favorite. Here is a track that has a hand at all speeds, tries all sorts of riff styles but never loses an ounce of viciousness. This is just one illustration of how the band meticulously piece together their music.
The production style on Mind Explosion is a conjunction of Old School sounding drums and more modernistic, thick and spongy guitars. All instrumentation is very upfront and well balanced. In terms of relationships to other bands, I hear some obvious SLAYER references, perhaps some DARK ANGEL, and some strong KREATOR-like moments as well. This is obviously a chemistry that should win favor with most fans from this period, myself being one of them.
I think, as good as this album is at times, there is definite areas for growth. Hooks could be sharper and though I admire completely the alternating tempos and variance of structure, I really want to hear this band just let hell reign in with balls-out Thrash from start to finish more often. They do this on tracks like "The Punisher", a track that should have fans of CARNAL FORGE going absolutely berserk.
My conclusion is positive for FINAL BREATH and Mind Explosion. This is gutsy, brutal Death/Thrash that salutes the roots of the genre well. My attention is garnered, as will yours be as well as soon as you get on the ball and obtain your copy.
