CoC : The Accursed - Seasons of the Scythe : Review

The Accursed - _Seasons of the Scythe_
(Locomotive Records / Screaming Ferret Wreckords, 2007)
by: Quentin Kalis (7.5 out of 10)

Thrash! And not the overly melodic or modern variants that abound like spring flowers in bloom, but something with an edge. The Accursed may have a strong retro edge, but at least they don’t sound like the umpteenth Bay Area inspired, overly melodic thrashers, or some sort of post 'core, post-Sepultura, post- Pantera "modern" thrash. Don't get me wrong, I love all of the above just as much as the next headbanger, but that post-Korn guitar tone or overly sweet sounding Bay Area thrash is just far too prevalent. Although melody is present here, it comes with balls and doesn't negatively detract from the overall proto-black Sodom feel. The vocals are distinctive but retro sounding, of the kind that will either be loved or hated. Although they don't sound like any particular band, the influence of bands such as Slayer and Testament can be felt on various occasions. The Accursed have several strong numbers in the beginning, but tend to lose steam as the album progresses, nor is it as strong as recent output by Hellish Crossfire or Must Missa, but it is nonetheless sufficiently decent to find a place on the shelf of anyone still mourning the demise of 'real' thrash.

Contact: http://www.theaccursed.net

(article published 11/3/2008)