Fight To the Death
Artist: Grave Forsaken
Label: Soundmass Records
Time: 10 tracks  47.6 minutes

I wasn't sure how I was going to like this release because when I first got the disc I thought the artwork was super cheesy. I was even more unsure when I popped the disc in for first listen and I heard the opening track begin with sirens and machine gun fire in what sounds like a war zone. I like effects like that, but some effects have been done and overdone on so many records. As soon as the music kicked in all those questions were put to rest. These guys lay down the metal with precision and punch!

Grave Forsaken is a 5 piece band from Australia that formed in 2004. This is their fifth release, and while I haven't heard them before I think their back catalog is worth checking out if it is this good. The drums are furious and loud, the riffing is sharp and plenty while the vocals are old school metal vocals that border at times on hardcore. There is a plentiful heaping of double bass drums as well as heavy breakdowns and chugging bass lines that are thick and tight. What I really like about this album is that they have gang vocals as well, and they really blur the lines between metal and hardcore at times which is a sign of a good thrash band that is reminiscent of the classic metal years. 

The lyrics are centered on spiritual war, the fight between good and evil, and the hope that believers have in Jesus Christ as we wait upon Him and His return. The lyrics are good as well, nothing cheesy and generic here at all. This is a definite must have for old school metal/thrash fans. It immediately reminds me of classic Megadeth and Pantera style metal, and it gets better and better with each listen!

Reviewed by Steve Ruff  12-20-2010