I’ve always considered myself spoiled by today’s modern studio technology as I’ve always preferred a more refined, smooth listening experience in terms of sound quality versus something a demo from whatever garage band. But I have been trying to break that mold through finding albums to enjoy that absolutely revel in the raw nature and doesn’t allow the lack of top-notch studio equipment to hinder the material’s excellence. South Africa has spawned the debut of Major Affective Disorder, whose brand new debut album fits that description perfectly.

Whenever I’m looking at anything of the crossover thrash genre, I never really expect the highest quality of anything from the songwriting to the musicianship to the production quality. Major Affective Disorder doesn’t change that mindset a single bit, and just looking at plenty of aspects from their debut of “Hate City Timeshare Thrash” would show that. That may not sound like a good listen, but the six tracks from this unadulterated trio from the end of a continent whose metal scene as really begun to gather a respectable amount of notice are the exact kind of crossover thrash that many people seek for. From the no-fucks-given attitude to the constant energy that could peel the paint off walls to the riffage, “Hate City Timeshare Thrash” stands tall as an exceptional piece that lacks almost all kinds of polish but still manages to exceed what many albums with lots of polish tend to lack. And given this being a debut, it’s understandable that the musicianship of Major Affective Disorder can be a little shaky at times, but the trio pulls it off, in the end, to give us an absolute rager of an EP that doesn’t know when to quit or when to put the beer down, giving us a listening experience that we’ve definitely heard before and definitely in higher quality but there’s no denying there is a fuck ton of fun to be had here!

It’s always challenging for a band taking their first steps, I’ve always felt that. Major Affective Disorder is a prime example of that in effect as “Hate City Timeshare Thrash” has the makings of a solid act that I love to see come out of the woodwork from an odd corner of the metal world, and they only have to build off this EP. But should you want a band that knows how to have a good time and don’t give a shit if they’re being loud about it, look no further than this trio.

LISTEN to “Hate City Timeshare Thrash” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Major Affective Disorder on Facebook here.