Greece has always had a metal scene that’s always been kind to me especially when it comes to thrash. Many people may not see Greece and think of thrash metal but that’s how it is for me because every single time I get a sample of thrash from the Greeks it’s always been fantastic. Whether it be anti-religion like Biotoxic Warfare or even death metal taking notes from thrash like Soulskinner, Greece has always been magnificent. Today, that trend continues as Rapture prepares to release their vicious vortex of excellent death laced thrash metal of pure splendor.

From the very beginning, it’s made really clear that Rapture isn’t fucking around. “Paroxysm of Hatred” marks their sophomore record as these Greeks set out for their second wave of a miasma of death across the planet, and it’s not often that thrash records come around as potent as this nowadays. I’ve been going out of my way more to find more quality thrash out there, but luck simply hasn’t been on my side. But thankfully when I heard the explosive intro of “Paroxysm of Hatred” I knew my luck had changed today. The dials are set to maximum, the intensity is fucking ridiculous, the mastery of the madness is impeccable, and the sheer musicianship of it all is truly delicious as we don’t get it often with thrash metal in such potency. Everything that Rapture does here is speckled with elements of death metal to bring a special flavor to the mix as sometimes it’s more up front than others, and that helps “Paroxysm of Hatred” feel much more three dimensional in its essence as it’s not the same fucking sound for all eight tracks. It all comes together so well that it makes Rapture sound like they’ve been doing it for decades because of how sweet their material is, and if anything that makes this record even more entertaining in my eyes given the relatively short amount of time these Greeks have been throwing it down.

In every single way, Rapture impressed with this effort no matter what angle you’re looking at it from. “Paroxysm of Hatred” is a glorious testament to the absolutely undeniable power of Greek thrash metal, and Rapture has already set up for the whole of 2018 to be a devastating year for the country’s speed demons.

“Paroxysm of Hatred” releases on January 22nd via Memento Mori!

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