Review Summary: The strongest Warbringer album since Worlds Torn Asunder
Warbringer’s scope has never been broader than it is on Weapons of Tomorrow. Clocking in at just over fifty minutes, the album is the thrashers’ longest to date and features several tracks that reach beyond their standard three to five-minute fare. Nothing ever reaches the length of “When the Guns Fell Silent” off 2017’s Woe to the Vanquished but tracks like “Notre Dame (King of Fools)” and “Glorious End” work to channel a similarly grandiose splendor.
This album also features some of the band’s most experimental songwriting thus far, perhaps second only to 2013’s IV: Empires Collapse. The most striking example comes with “Defiance of Fate,” which pairs blackened vocals with more melodic guitar textures. The effect is jarring though enhanced by the tense atmosphere with “Heart of Darkness” achieving success by similar means. “Unraveling” stands out on the less epic side of things as its blistering speeds come close to death metal levels.
Of course, there’s still plenty of time for straightforward thrash. “Firepower Kills” and “The Black Hand Reaches Out” make for a strong one-two start, the latter tailor made for the pit like “Remain Violent” before it, and “Outer Reaches” puts in some frenzied riffing to match its spaced out lyrical theme. Through it all, Carlos Cruz’s drums are constantly blasting, the riffs are choppy, the guitar and bass tones are punchy and full, and John Kevill’s shriek is as distinctly shrill as ever.
While Weapons of Tomorrow isn’t quite a new thrash classic, it may be the strongest Warbringer album since 2011’s Worlds Torn Asunder. A move to longer songs is certainly a risky move, especially when every other old guard band is releasing albums that are way too long, but it works surprisingly well. The greater lengths give the experimental tendencies more space to develop and the theatrical tone keeps the variety consistent. There are better Warbringer albums out there, but they’ve never sounded this mature.
Highlights:
“The Black Hand Reaches Out”
“Defiance of Fate”
“Heart of Darkness”
“Glorious End”
Originally published at http://psychicshorts.blogpost.com
