Review Summary: Submission for Liberty brings forth excellently written and technically proficient thrash metal for those willing to overlook the album's lack of variation.
To the average reader, a name like 4arm may seem like a weird and out of place name for a thrash band, but it is unique and different, and for that they get points from this reviewer. However, the band fails to bring this unique factor into the actual songs that comprise their latest album, "Submission for Liberty". Of course that's not to say that there aren't many redeeming qualities contained within this 49 minute, aggression fueled monster of an album, i'm merely stating that this album lacks variation from the all out thrash that this band plays. If one can look past this simple fact, one will find an album practically exploding with technical thrash that tips it's hat to the old school in more ways than one.
Right from the onset of the album the listener will undoubtedly get the feeling that this band's subject matter isn't merely the stereotypical nonsense that encompasses most of metal. 4arm are socially aware and this album is teeming with politcal and social commentary. Hell, if the album cover and title didn't tell you that, there's really no hope for you. In a way, the subject matter found on Submission for Liberty can be quite refreshing in a world full of self absorbed lyricists and whiny bitches crying over some skank. In a way, the same can be said for the actual instrumentals found here. This band sounds pissed off and ready to go. The vocalist has a great yelling voice that mirrors the brutal tone of the guitars perfectly. The guitars strike a fine balance between heavy and catchy riffing, and insane and frantic drumming and soloing. However, the band never relents, and this is somewhat problematic, as this results in very small tempo changes that hardly let the listener catch his breath. The band doesn't slow it down until the closing track, in which they play a more melodic offering that closes the album out nicely. Productively speaking, the overall length and song listing is damn near perfect, as the songs hardly ever seem out of place or wear out their welcome, and the production values are what we can expect from a modern day Megadeth album, very loud and clear.
What this band lacks in variation, they more than make up for in consistent songwriting full of technicality and professional sounding production. However, it is the lack in variety that brings this album down a notch. If 4arm can keep the aggression and technical instrumentation and add some more melodic guitar play or even a few more tempo changes, the band would be perfect. However, the consistent quality thrash found here is more than enjoyable. It will have you banging your head for hours, wishing you could see them live. This band toured with acts such as Testament, Overkill, and Flotsam and Jetsam. After listening to Submission for Liberty I can say without a doubt that they belonged on that tour. If your into thrash, give this album a try, you won't regret it.
