Rise to Power

Author: Primož Novak

Artist: Battlecross
Label: Metal Blade Records
Release: year_month
Running time: 35:54
Rating: 3.5/5

Starting a band that plays thrash metal these days is probably a risky move. The same goes for melodic death metal. Both genres said what they had to say a long time ago. They feel burnt out. There’s no great point in it if the band’s only goal is to fill their wallets. Every so often, sure, a band comes along that takes a different approach. They fuse one genre with another, push it into more extreme territory, put the emphasis on technique too. But if we look at Battlecross themselves, the story is a little different.

Battlecross picked thrash metal as their foundation, then repackaged the whole thing in a modern form, with the focus on melody and a modern sound. Rise To Power is the band’s third studio album. In just under 36 minutes, 11 tracks roll by, letting the listener know this band is packed with energy. No room to slack off, then.

Battlecross maybe don’t offer anything that really stands out. The band puts thrash-tinged tracks front and center, with a few elements of death and black metal thrown in. To make it all more appealing, there are melodic passages too. Now and then you also get a bit of groove on top. But above all, the dynamics of the whole thing deserve praise. The vocals mix screaming and growling. The guitars are loaded with sharp, punchy riffs. The rhythm section doesn’t disappoint either. And, of course, what really saves them is Alex Bent’s great drumming, which often shows off his love for death metal. Without a good drummer, Battlecross probably wouldn’t be all that recognizable. Rise to Power definitely flies by. There’s no feeling of dragging. The songs are pretty simple too, so no overcomplicating things here. And it doesn’t need to be complicated, because Battlecross get their point across quickly and clearly. It sounds good, too, thanks to production heavyweight Jason Suecof (The Black Dahlia Murder, DevilDriver, etc.).

Battlecross don’t bring anything that really stands out, but if you like your metal fast, energetic and melodic, their music will be right up your alley.

Lineup

Kyle Gunther – vocals

Tony Asta – guitar

Hiran Deraniyagala – guitar

Don Slater – bass

Alex Bent – drums

Production

Jason Suecof, Mark Lewis (post-production)

Tracklist