Frankenshred – Cauldron of Evil

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The name Frankenshred really only lends itself to one style: very fast thrash. And that is precisely what Cauldron of Evil is; fast, intricate and fun. Overkill and early Metallica are the obvious strong influences on the thrash side of Frankenshred’s sound, but there is a certain element of traditional metal to their sound as well, particularly in a lot of the Rich McManus’s vocal melodies and his slightly-strained-Dee Snider-like voice. Musically there are some great riffs, rhythms and Malmsteen-esque solos here, especially solos, and it’s all better than their name would suggest it should be, but the lyrical content leaves a little to be desired and makes it difficult to take many of the songs seriously. That is of course the case for the majority thrash metal, so holding that too strongly against them is unfair, but their bigger failing is occasional songs which are close to being copies of other bands’ songs. Psychosis of The Mind is basically Whiplash, for instance, even if it is all but saved by the solo from “Dr. Frankenshred” (JR3 from Commandment). Highlight’s are Trial By Fire‘s blistering solo, the epic title track, which follows a very-Cliff Burton bass solo track called W.W.S. and heavy groover I Feel Your Pain (a groove that is all but repeated for Let The Punishment Fit The Crime, incidentally). The lack of originality here may put some listeners off, but for some fast traditional thrash metal with some truly breathtaking solos this is a fun ride.

Written by Andy Lye
More: 2010, Albums, Quick.Play Reviews, Thrash Metal, Frankenshred