Review by Lydia Evans for MPM
Surgical Strike will return with their latest album 24/7 Hate on 1st March 2024. The German thrash metal band is made up of vocalist Jens “Stöpsel” Albert, rhythm guitarist Marcelo Vasquez Rocha, lead guitarist Frank Ruhnke, bassist Florian Seybecke and drummer Joshua Jo.
Surgical Strike has gained prominence in the German thrash scene and has played festivals such as the Metal Frenzy Festival and Dong Open Air, and have played among bands such as Testament, Slipknot, and Overkill.
Surgical Strike wants to set new standards in German thrash and promises this in their new album. The album is described as “a must-have for all lovers of thrash metal” and “combines technical precision with breathtaking speed…the eleven tracks convey the rage and aggression of the band members in a captivating way”. Excited by the description, I do believe this album lives up to it. It’s aggressive, fast, and exciting all the way through.
24/7 Hate opens with Initium, an introductory instrumental track that slowly transports us into the album. With drums sounding battle ready, it’s a great introduction into the album.
The title track, 24/7 Hate, is exactly what the album promises and delivers: in-your- face vocals, record-fast precise guitar work, and heavy, fast drums. Fear Monger, the album’s single, opens with high-powered drums and takes us into a track filled with booming vocals and melodic guitars.
Every track on the album throws us into the rage without hesitation, the technical instrumental work matching the vigor of the lyrics and heavy vocals. The Lesson is a personal favourite; it shows off Stöpsel’s vocal style and shows off Florian Seybeche’s thundering bass work.
Discover The Evil is dark and heavy with the chorus of “Can you feel it?”. This record demands to be listened to.
Lonely Decision is that captivating balance of instrumental and vocal sections. The split moment of silence before the lightning fast guitar solo, courtesy of lead guitarist Frank Ruhnke, gives me chills. Seventh track Alienated starts with a bluesy intro before throwing us back into that vigorous thrash. Drummer Joshua Jo impresses me track after track with his military precision and speed on drums. Rose War and Circle Jerk both deliver powerful choruses and commanding vocals.
The rhythm section matches lead guitar and lead vocal work perfectly. Sorrow of War II is a cat and mouse game of rapid guitars and drums, but shows off every band member’s talents. About two-thirds into the song, we have a switch: soft rhythm guitar strumming with a melodic guitar solo overtop. It’s a moment of calm and showcases guitarists Marcelo Vasquez Rocha and Frank Ruhnke.
Not long after, drums and bass return, bringing us a steady instrumental outro. The album closer, Blinder, has a haunting feel to it. With a chorus of “you’ve gone too far, way too far” it closes the album nicely, fading into guitars that slowly drift away.
The album is a great choice for any enjoyers of thrash metal, or any rockers that love high-speed guitar work, encapsulating drums and bass, and rumbling vocals.
The German thrashers will be releasing this killer album next month with a record release show on 1st March in Hanover, Germany, alongside Taskforce Toxicater and Final Cry
MORE INFO:
www.surgicalstrike.de
www.facebook.com/surgicalstrikemetal
www.metalville.de
www.facebook.com/metalville
