Artillery - My Blood (2011) (Limited Edition Digipak)

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Artillery - My Blood (2011) (Limited Edition Digipak)

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Time has come again. Artillery always seem set on creating something special with each and every outing, something to make me bow and beg for mercy. My Blood continues on the promise of When Death Comes, not taking any chances, but also not taking any unnecessary risks. Artillery's philosophy seems to be, "why mess with perfection?" And really, who could blame them when they consistently have so much success? This should make the truth pretty clear: if you didn't like or just weren't satisfied with Artillery's 2009 comeback, My Blood will do nothing to change your mind. The only differences are minute and few and far between. This is the same middle eastern influenced riff monster that was and has been so technical and so outstanding for so long. (If you've forgotten my "formula of a general Artillery riff," refer to my When Death Comes review. In short: 110% of insane, technical thrash badassery). For those who did enjoy the last release, you're in for a hell of a ride.

As always, the performances are ridiculously pristine. The Stutzer brothers must have discovered the formula for the eternal flame, because they never cease to scorch all over every moment with furious, inventive riffing. The two keys to their success are: 1) sheer technicality and 2) unprecedented heaviness. When the guitarwork isn't insane, it's melodic and powerful all the same. As such, Artillery is never too heavy to be catchy, and never too catchy to be heavy. Adamsen is completely at home with his role in the band, putting on a vocal performance that never lacks power. Screaming, chanting, and rhythmically howling when need be, Adamsen sounds convincing even while singing sometimes admittedly juvenile lyrics (brought to a new low with the cliched "Thrasher"). They don't really detract frohm the album, though, as one comes to expect such lyrical themes in classic thrash such as this.

Things kick off with "Mi Sangre" (get it?). Artillery's longest song ever, it clocks in at about seven and a half minutes and takes the band's Egyptian vibe to a whole new level. This is probably the highlight of the album, infused with ignited leads, expectedly catchy components, and plenty o' riffs to die for. Speaking of riffs to die for, one doesn't to look too far ahead to find them in lavish abundance. "Monster" is clinic from start to finish, easily one of the bands heaviest rampages yet, even if the chorus isn't very inventive. "Death is an Illusion" adds some melodic flair with its almost power metal chorus. "Ain't Giving In," a track way back from the coveted Mind Factory demo, is a power ballad from hell, delivering simple but effective lyrics and a new set of parts that cannot be removed from memory. "Warrior Blood" is a searing battle anthem with lethal riffs and a vocal performance that shows Adamsen means business. "Concealed in the Dark" powers back with a sinister mid-paced chorus. Those are just the highlights; if I don't stop myself now, I'll be describing 'em all.

My favorite thrash band has struck again, living up to the legacy with an astounding vigor for such a well-travelled unit. My Blood is yet another consistent release, proving that When Death Comes wasn't simply a moment of recaptured essence; this is a full-fledged vision that shows no sign of fading. I'm fully convinced that Artillery can do no wrong. They've thrown the thrash gauntlet down early in 2011, and unless Deathrow or Znowhite crawls into a time machine and visits us from 1988, I doubt I'll be hearing a better entry from the genre this year. It took a few more listens to get me than When Death Comes did, but in the end, My Blood eclipses it. Oh, and the bonus track remakes from Fear of Tommorow on the digipak edition kill. What are you waiting for? Until next time, Artillery, old friend. Never change.