FATAL EMBRACE – Operation Genocide

“First class Thrash Metal from Berlin!” “Old school Thrash since 1993” Fatal Embrace’s assessment of themselves is similar to their pronouncement that their 6th studio album is a “new masterpiece”.  The simple statements reflect the ethos of a band who, while overly optimistic about the stature of their release, are honest dealers of take no prisoners Thrash Metal.

“Betray Your Heroes” and “Skinned To Be Alive” lead off in furious fashion.  Recalling Reign In Blood era Slayer, these highlight tracks feature biting riffs, break neck pacing, tempo changes, blistering solos, and menacing, yet intelligible vocals.

While the remainder of the journey doesn’t approach the hook laden sophistication of the openers, there are occasional flashes of brilliance.  “Your Spiritual Quest” takes a risk with an extended bridge that’s close to being a song within a song.  “Let The Evil Flow” is notable for its speed and endurance and “Soulcrusher” throws down a memorable bridge filled with twisting riffs.

Operation Genocide isn’t a masterpiece but it’s a decent listen for any Thrash Metal fan and leaves little doubt the band are masters of the genre.  They are at their best when they include a variety of tempo and riffs changes throughout songs instead of solely within the confines of a bridge.

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TRACKLIST (Highlights: 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10)

1. Ripping The Sky (Intro)
2. Betray Your Heroes
3. Skinned To Be Alive
4. Your Spiritual Quest
5. Let The Evil Flow
6. Depravity
7. Criminal Scum
8. The Soulcrusher
9. Forevermore
10. Spawn Of Plagues
11. Metal Thrashing Mad (Anthrax Cover)

LINEUP

Dirk Heiland – vocals
Jörg Trabalski – guitar
Tobias Stork – guitar
Philip Zeuschner – drums
Ronald Schulze – bass