STYLE: Rock RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 152066-22214 LABEL: Thumper Punk FORMAT: Digital Only EP
Reviewed by Lins Honeyman
South Africa-based thrash metal outfit The Old-Timers' fourth release is a six-track EP that charts the band's journey from sin to repentance through Jesus delivered in trademark thunderous fashion. Thankfully, the lead singer's vocals are clearer albeit no less shouty than many of his thrash metal counterparts which allows the message of each song to stand out amongst the drivingly intense musical backdrop created by the rest of the band - including a stunning performance throughout from the drummer. With each track around the two minute mark, it's a rollercoaster affair with songs that don't outstay their welcome on the ears and the pounding opener "Hole In My Heart" and a unique expounding of Jesus' words in Matthew 11:28 "Hope For The Rejected" see the band deliver the Christian message in whirlwind fashion. Elsewhere, a raucous rendition of Ishmael's much loved chorus "Father God I Wonder" is an inspired if tongue-in-cheek choice of cover whilst an cappella intro on "The Joy Of Reconciliation" and a couple of spoken word tracks set to a gentle ambient backing offer up some Jekyll and Hyde variety to proceedings.
The opinions expressed in this article are
not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed
views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may
not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a
later date.
Interested in reviewing music? Find out
more here.