Ever since metal has reached adulthood, the burning thought of passing on the torch is something that people either have complete faith in or utter despair when it comes to the thought. It honestly feels like there is no in-between at times, but, personally, I don’t see how the future of metal is in anything but the best of hands. There will never be anything to perfectly replace the legends whose times are coming to a close, but the sheer talent and tenacity of thousands upon hundreds of thousands are what will always keep the spirit and flame strong! Maniak is one of the youngest acts that we could look for out of the vast expanse of the underground, but they already embody the excellence that the newer generations have to bring to the table that will surely keep us enthralled for decades to come.

We have all heard the phrase “old school” a million times be it used aptly for a band that channels those classic energies or incredibly poorly with it being no more than a mere tool to draw more people in hoping for a decent listen. Plenty out there have been able to do the term immense justice, and Maniak effortlessly earns to be counted amongst such names with everything that was brought forth in the five tracks of “Speed Metal Terrorist” naught but an experience that would feel incredibly at home should it be piercing the night skies in the 80s and 90s. An overall brief listen but an eviscerating one that leaves nothing on the table for us to fuss over, Maniak already has a surgical understanding of their particular breed of thrash and black metal. This is only the band’s second effort to date, but it already stands much higher than many other modern contemporaries throughout this corner of metal that I’ve come across over the years. “Speed Metal Terrorist” immediately makes its presence and intentions known right out of the gate with the very soul of the record burning with a deep, dark flame that burns with fierce intensity as Maniak not only moves forward with tremendous intent and focus, but it’s the clear passion and know-how for the sound that propels the piece to become something far more than what many of us would expect. From the riffs to the attitude to the very presentation of the work, “Speed Metal Terrorist” is a surprise by all accounts.

Whether it’s in acts that have matured in recent years or those who have only just come out of the woodwork in the last few years, talent is something that is not exclusive to long-known veteran names that we all know like the backs of our hands. New blood is something that will always keep the future looking bright, even if we question what it brings before us, and Maniak is undeniably the kind of new blood that I think many of us can and should get behind without so much as a second thought. “Speed Metal Terrorist” is a blistering piece in every sense with the very future looking incredibly promising for Maniak should they stay the course and take into consideration all that has led them here. Should they do that, domination and victory is what they will find.

LISTEN to “Speed Metal Terrorist” on Spotify here.

FOLLOW Maniak on Instagram here.