Lethal might be an upcoming thrash sensation from Sweden. This is their first demo, which was released by the bands themselves on CDr and on tape by Final Punishment Records/Steelfire Invasion.

This is thrash the way it is meant to be, the old way… Imagine a gangbang with the good old German thrash bands involved, a couple of the American and maybe even a bit of the Canadian thrashing madness. Then you know what you’ll get from Lethal. Catchy hard hitting riffs, screaming leads, pounding drums and a punishing bass. The vocals are raw and in your face, just like it should be. A nice pronunciation that does you can hear the lyric and that adds to the whole impression.

It would be a lie to say that Lethal revolutionizes the thrash genre. They have found the way of thrash they like and deliver it perfectly. The tracks are well crafted and very catchy and scream for some serious headbanging. And some of the guitar work is very good too. The only problem on this recording is the bit stale and boring production, but when one have in mind that this is the bands first demo, its pretty well made. The music does have a lot of quality, even though it lacks some originality.

This release came as quite a surprise, it wouldn’t be all wrong to call Lethal Sweden’s answer to Aura Noir, though without the pure black metal influences. Hardhitting thrash straight to the bone, killer guitar riffs and ear piercing solos. A raw and merciless scream. The band shows a lot on this demo and do not need much to become really good and a part of the elite in the thrash world. This is a must have for fans of old school thrashing madness done the mostly the European way. I’m sure this band has a great future ahead; I know I can’t wait to hear the next release.

[This review was first published on the now defunct scandinavianmetal.info webzine]