W.M.D. - AGAINST ALL WARNINGS

An incredibly dynamic album that reminds me of various pioneering thrash lords matched with a freshness akin to when the genre was experiencing somewhat of a comeback in the early 2000’s. With its sub-sonic tempos, machine-like riffage, uber frantic rhythms, and assertive vocals, this album will delight those seeking to punch the air until the sky falls into their awaiting circle pits. There’re nine tracks of raging fury which are belted out in just over 40 minutes and are complete with a crisp production that showcases each musical element clearly and distinctly in the mix. 

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From the clean sounding guitars, crunchy chords and intricate leads, the fretwork is slick, polished, and imbued with subliminal homages to various thrash titans.  In tandem with the guitars is a big forward driven clanky bass sound that punches along nicely but not overtly dominant. Whilst in the engine room, we have manic drum tempos of skanky beats that gallop along with variations of doubles and triple rolls and mixed time signatures. On the vocal front, the delivery is more on the spectrum of high-pitched raspy screams with mildly abrasive edges and occasional compressed growls that befit the bands overall sound and cadence perfectly. 

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There’s a lot to like on this album, from the interesting mix of lyrical themes of corporate greed and societal collapse underpinned with a slight comical feel that softens the blow and balances the mood and chaotic disposition. From the opener Eyes of a Killer and its all-out riff frenzy and noodly solos, the scene is set for an onslaught of high-speed moshing fun. The title track Against All Warnings continues the pace with its urgency and power then rounds out with a kitsch Slayer-esque breakdown. Kleptomania is perhaps my favourite track with its catchy stop-start speed metal approach that seems reminiscent of early era Anthrax vibes. Most songs are consistent in their song structures and acuity, yet with the albums longest track Already Dead the momentum takes a mid-song orbit into a quasi-prog expanse of virtuosity before heading back into its riff bonanza. The finale of Painful Vengeance takes a seemingly notable trip into the Megaforce time tunnel that closes out the proceedings.

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For those into OverKill, Nuclear Assault, Vio-Lence and enjoy Municipal Waste, Strapping Young Lad, and Devin Townsend related projects, W.M.D. have produced a solid album that’ll strongly cater to these tastes. Against All Warnings is an intensely fun ride into metal nostalgia while staying true to the band’s originality and execution that is refreshing and energetic. A modern thrash classic that’s built its own mantle for the genre.

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SCORE 8.5/10

Reviewed by Glennosp