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CHEMICAL STORM
Digital Dementia EP

Self-released (2024)
Rating: 7.5/10

Hailing from my old stomping grounds of Kent in the south-east of England is five-piece thrash act Chemical Storm. Digital Dementia is the second EP from the group, emerging six years after Doomed From Day One. According to the press release, Chemical Storm “…honours the greats that came before them by keeping the fire of thrash alive in a world of hyper processed, polished and ‘perfect’ productions”. An interesting statement indeed, so I was eager to tuck into this four track release, being the creation of Liam Underdown (vocals), bassist, Dave Austin (lead guitar) and Joe Davies (rhythm guitar), Tom Lane (bass) and Kevin Hudson (drums).

Now, straight from the off one can’t help but notice the similarities to Slayer, particularly in the vocal attack, but Chemical Storm also successfully nods towards a variety of other classic 80s thrash bands including Nuclear Assault and Forbidden. There’s nothing wrong with a band paying homage to heroes, especially when it’s executed so well.

‘God Forbid’ is a savage opener that benefits greatly from the excellent production values. The instrumentation is crisp but not glossy, enabling the instruments to flow like molten rivers of lava. While remaining extremely aggressive, ‘God Forbid’ is catchy if a tad overlong at six minutes plus, but it certainly gives you your money’s worth when you consider the CD is only £5 (exclusive of postage) from the band’s bandcamp page.

The second track is ‘Shallow Hole’ and hits with rampant percussion and scathing riffage. Again there is that Slayer-esque pace coupled with a spine of melody. The track also belches out some superb mid-paced chugs, veering towards a vintage Bay Area crunch.

To an extent I’m relieved this is not a quintessentially 80s British thrash styled release, although some may find the Americanised influences a tad generic and similar to what Evile and a glut of others attempted during the thrash revival. Even so, the EP is still very strong and ‘Blunt Force Drama’ and ‘Digital Dementia’ show us why. Both songs have crossover snap in their delivery, bolstered by the sturdy bass work and the streetwise vocal chops, especially on the title track. In fact, there’s an aura or urban toughness about this EP to the point that some of the nuances drive towards a New York hardcore vibe.

UK thrash is still a force to be reckoned with and the thought of a Chemical Storm full-length excites me greatly. Digital Dementia really does kick up a storm, so brace yourself for a battering.

Neil Arnold

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