Swedish outfit Entrench finally return to our dimension (though apparently, but I’ve seen missed them, there were some split-EP’s too, with the likes of Bombs Of Hades or Insane), but this time as a duo, since their drummer died a year and a half ago. I’m glad they did not decide to quit, yet rather to continue in order to pay tribute to their deceased brother-in-arms.
Anyway, seen from stylistic point of view, not much did change. With Violent Procreation, Entrench bring nine peace, I mean, pieces of timeless Ultra-Thrash from the Old School. Colleague Jeroen did a review on this fifty-minute album a couple of weeks ago, but I do not agree with the negativism (but that, of course, isn’t but a personal, totally subjective opinion, I think).
Actually, what these guys bring totally lacks of originality, but isn’t this a convinced / convincing tribute to the Teutonic roots of Evil? Kreator, Sodom, Destruction, as well as Slayer, Possessed, Venom, Tormentor and (very early) Bay Area; doesn’t this sound attractive. And well, actually, despite the lack of ‘originality’, Entrench are more than ‘able’ to bring back the essence of the Old School, and they do it with persuasion and craftsmanship. Once again: do not expect any original or renewing thing, because you will get none. But f*ck it, because it’s been quite a while that I’ve been so excited by a release within this specific trend. Each single track (and as a matter of fact, they are pretty lengthy) sounds as if could have been written, and recorded, two decades ago (except for the sound, which is very professional: not too polished, but also lacking of noise or sonic snow), but back then I would have welcomed it with open arms. So, why wouldn’t I do this right now?
No, seriously, you need to clear up your mind, but if you think the bands I mentioned in the former paragraph are protagonists to be hailed, then you have the ideal tribute right here: Violent Procreation! No gimmicks, no fakeness, just pure and honest, highly energetic and hot-pepper-in-the-ass Old Style Thrash!