Hirax are one of the original thrash bands nobody seems to remember. They return to us after 11 years with a new album Faster Than Death and as any reasonable person, I approached with caution. Seldom do thrash legends of the olden days produce anything interesting nowadays. Rather than adopting a grumpy, out-of-touch demeanor, Hirax embrace the role of cool thrash uncles, delivering a fast-paced, energetic record.
Faster Than Death is a concise album, clocking in at just over 20 minutes, and this brevity works in its favour. The tracks are short, with many under two minutes, providing a quick, gauntleted punch to the face. The album’s warm sound is cozy, and allows the bass to resonate with force and avoids the harshness that can sometimes plague thrash records. Katon W. De Pena‘s vocals are particularly strong, complementing the vintage thrash riffing that defines the album. Hirax, unlike many other thrash bands who try and fail to stay relevant, know that the key to success is not to try sound modern. They excel in creating stompy, semi-fast grooves that naturally induce head-bopping. Tracks like the title song, “Faster Than Death,” evoke the spirit of 2000s-era Exodus, showcasing Hirax‘s ability to craft engaging thrash mini-anthems. The band truly has the right experience to call upon the smelly thrash gods of old.
While Faster Than Death doesn’t break new ground or contributes in any progressive way to the thrash genre, it might still be important. It shows that by adopting this almost grind-like formula to writing, you can have simple fun that works well for the band, and for me as a listener. Faster Than Death reflects Hirax‘s enduring love for thrash metal. And what else besides love does a thrash band need? It’s an album that doesn’t take itself too seriously, prioritizing fun and energy over innovation. Hirax may not be reinventing the wheel, but they’re certainly keeping it spinning with enthusiasm and skill.
