Review Summary: Not your typical rehash
Retro isn't a viable identity. In fact, the 80's worship of youthful days past has gone stale. The 80's have had their time in the sun–lay it to rest already. I don't want to speak for everyone, but I think its safe to say that collectively, we are all tired of this 80's thrash resurgence. Personally, I think this disdain has more to do with the fact that the majority of the bands adopting that sound are falling abysmally short of their idols.
Give us Life is 80's thrash worship to the T and like a proud acolyte they wear it on their sleeves, one glance at the album cover will tell you that much. Now, for those of you reading this and saying f*ck it I'll just put on some Megadeth if I want a classic thrash jam sesh, I kindly ask that you set your judgment aside for just a moment. This record isn’t standing on the shoulders of giants, its trying its best to stand toe to toe with them.
Space Chaser is a German Thrash Metal band formed in 2011. The lyrical themes follow the classic thrash metal tropes. If its not politics or beer, its science fiction and dystopia. Unlike their science fiction themed peers, Space Chaser doesn’t flirt with prog. Give us Life is an abrasive record sporting forward crunching guitars and thunderous drumming all at the speed of light. Although the band plays at blazing speeds, the melodies in these tracks burrow their way into your psyche and you will find yourself humming hooks and riffs long after the needle is lifted. Tracks like Juggernaut (infectious chorus) and Antidote to Order (Cliff Burton is smiling down) are enjoyable little earworms intent on making their home in your ruptured eardrums.
Give Us Life is a respectable thrash record. It's respectable because it is genuine. It isn't groundbreaking and it most definitely isn’t original. Overkill and Megadeth's finger prints could be found all over this record. But its one thing to imitate the sound of a band and another thing entirely to try to replicate their spirit. The aggression and passion that this album exudes comes from the members alone.
