WRECK-DEFY – Powers That Be

WRECK-DEFY - Powers That Be
  • 9.3/10
    WRECK-DEFY - Powers That Be - 9.3/10
9.3/10

Summary

SubLevel Records
Release date: October 9, 2020

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The Backstory

Wreck-Defy formed in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada in 2016. They released two independent albums and have swapped a few band members since then. 2020 sees the release of Wrek-Defy’s third full-length release Powers That Be. The album was produced by Juan Urteaga.

The Album

“Beyond H8” kicks the listener right in the teeth with its manic drum beats and guitar riffs. Ex-Annihilator vocalist Aaron Randall’s vocals are full of anger and vitriol, yet still have a sense of melody to them. Guitarist Matt Hanchuck’s solo is on par with any virtuoso out there. Wreck-Defy shifts tempos back and forth throughout “Powers That Be.” Judging a person by their character is the theme behind “Skin.” Randall doesn’t growl as much here, as he wants this message to be heard perfectly clear. If Testament and Alice in Chains had a baby, the outcome would be “Drowning in Darkness.”

Randall plays a little Jekyll & Hyde vocally on “Scumlord,” as the protagonist struggles with drug addition. Another killer guitar solo ensues at the half-way point. Wreck-Defy couldn’t get more current with “Freedomless Speech.” A simple driving riff leads the charge here, but it is swiftly expunged buy ferocious drums, bass, and guitars. The sign-off track “On the Other Side” is a complete 180 shift, but it works. The band should explore more of this shift on upcoming albums.

The Verdict

Powers That Be is political, volatile, and intense. A 51 minute roller-coaster ride that you won’t want to get off.

TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at NOON & MIDNIGHT (EST) / 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS FROM THIS UPCOMING RELEASE!!!

Tracklist

  1. Beyond Hate
  2. Powers That Be
  3. Skin
  4. Drowning in Darkness
  5. Space Urchin
  6. Scumlord
  7. Freedomless Speech
  8. Goodbye to Misery
  9. I Am the Wolf
  10. On the Other Side

Wreck-Defy is

Aaron Randall (ex-Annihilator) – Vocals
Matt Hanchuck – Guitar
Greg Christian (ex-Testament) – Bass
Alex Marquez (ex-Malevalent Creation) – Drums

Author

  • George Dionne

    George was a contributor here at Metal Express Radio, reviewing albums and conducting interviews, out of Massachusetts, USA. George has contributed to numerous music related websites and blogs, and even managed his own from 2004-2009. George's first assignment was covering a live show by the mighty GWAR. By contrast his later assignments featured Judas Priest, Van Halen, and Bon Jovi. George was also the front man for the South Eastern Massachusetts cover band Sound Tower from 2009-2015.  Sound Tower played 300+ shows across MA and had two original songs on the Cape Cod radio station PIXY 103. George enjoys a good whiskey, scotch, and/or bourbon and fights crime in his spare time.

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