Holy shit! I’ve never heard a more accurate album title. With a name like “Deathrash Assault,” you know exactly what you’re getting into. The title is concise; similarly, the band wastes no time letting you know what they’re about; as soon as you hit 'play,' you should also fasten your seat belt…

This second full-length release from Finland’s  Deathchain is a truly brain-pummelling album, consisting of nine awesomely crafted tracks in the Death / Thrash vain. Also, here and there I sense a vague Black Metal vibe, though honestly I can’t put my finger on what it is. With clear, crunchy and thick production, it makes for one album that you absolutely must crank. Right now, my neighbours are getting their roof redone; the roofer has been working noisily far too early in the morning, so right now I’m getting him back by blasting “Deathrash Assault” at  full volume out the window. Thanks, Deathchain.

In any case, the only thing that’s wanting sound-wise is that the music ought to be heard in a concert setting. This is one of those rare oh-so-incredible albums that it goes all the way around the quality wheel and almost becomes shitty because you’re not hearing it live!

Performances and writing are tighter than a nun’s ass. The quartet come together so seamlessly that the sound is that of one single, thrashing entity; for this reason I will not list the individual members, even though I know they deserve the credit. Whether or not you’re initially able to distinguish the individuality of every song, it doesn’t matter—if you’re a Death or Thrash fan, I guarantee that you’ll love the journey of getting intimately acquainted with “Deathrash Assault.” With the exception of the odd piece, the songs soar with a murderous tempo, and with refreshing conviction and often inhuman vocals, the style never feels stale. The music is so direct and ferocious in presentation that you just can’t question anything about it.

The “Deathrash Assault” lyrics really interest me. Sure, there are the anti-Christian themes, but even that doesn’t feel trite since the words are catchy and well-written, in that 'METAL!!!!' kind of way. “Panzer Holocaust,” one of my favorites, is a chilling tribute to the horrors of World War II, while “Deathrash Legions” is one of those Metal songs where the lyrics are about Metal, which always make my devil-horn muscles twitch involuntarily.  

Top picks include “Napalm Satan,” the aforementioned “Deathrash Legions,” as well as the opener, “Revenge of the Nemesis.” “Panzer Holocaust,” aside from the change in lyrics, has a slightly different mood to it, something more somber—plus it’s several shades slower than the bulk of the pieces. Hell! All the songs are enjoyable…

If you like your Death Thrashy, or your Thrash uh… Deathy, then for fuck’s sakes, get your ass off the internet and go buy this album.

* Clare B. *

Finland’s rising Death / Thrash stars DeathChain originally started out under the moniker WinterWolf in 1997; after various line-up changes, a relocation, some demos and name change, we have the Deathchain we know and love today. Their full-length debut, “Deadmeat Disciples,” (2003) is so high energy and in-your-face that you hardly notice (or care) that it runs at just over half an hour. In fact, anything longer than that may have just been overwhelming.

Deathchain is a band I experienced in reverse; I heard their 2006 release “Deathrash Assault” prior to this one, “DeadMeat Disciples” (2003). Although I still prefer “Deathrash Assault” in a way, “DeadMeat” is nothing to sniff at. It’s just so damned solid that it’s difficult to believe it’s a debut album. With crushing, Thrashy riffs, violent, ceaseless percussion and vocals on that delicate balance between Thrash and Death stylings, this album will destroy anything in its path!

One thing I love about DeathChain is that despite how crazy they may get at times, they don’t sound like they’re playing fast music for the sake of it. They’re playing at blood-boiling paces because that’s their style and they communicate well within this sound. All aggressiveness and blistering energy feels really organic, and maybe that’s why it’s so easy to listen to.

While their overall style remains basically the same from this record to the next, “DeadMeat Disciples” comes across as more raw and untouched, where as “Deathrash Assault,” although it actually seems faster at times, is also more refined and has a lot more breathing space. “DeadMeat Disciples” doesn’t experiment too much with pacing on a wide level, while the lyrics seem to be mainly fictitious, describing gory scenarios…including “Rabid Vultures.” Still, the theme of war and general chaos / destruction runs between the two records, thus drawing a lyrical bridge between the two.

Though this isn’t something that impacts the music, it does contribute to the overall DeathChain experience: both albums contain amazing, relevant artwork, displaying gruesomely eerie images and fantastic band photos. The pair of albums has obviously been organized in a visual way in addition to the musical arrangements, so it really is a whole other dimension… One more reason NOT to download the albums!

With a production that is both clear and warm, we are able to fully experience the detailed brutality of the eight songs featured on “DeadMeat Disciples”…

“Chaos Wartech” opens the album, and what a killing introduction to the band it is. Demonstrating an almost frightening energy and ferocity, it’s followed by the aforementioned “Rabid Vultures,” a follow-up track in definite competition with its predecessor. Other standout tracks include the slightly slower (hey, everything’s relative) “Undertaker” and insanely catchy “Carrier of Pestilence.”

What else can I say? DeathChain are at the top of their game, and judging from the route they’re taking, they are continuing to climb higher and higher. I really hope the band gets the recognition they deserve! * Clare B. *