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DEMON PRAYERS
Evoke The Pain

Athens Thrash Attack (2014)
Rating: 7.5/10

Evoke The Pain is the first full-length release from Greek thrashers Demon Prayers, who are eager to remain in the public eye since the issue of 2013’s Morbid Terror EP.

This young quartet impressed me with their last record, and so I was looking forward to this one. I’m not disappointed, either. Those unaware of these guys should know that they are fronted by vocalist / bassist Alex Bonias, who’s joined by lead guitarist Panos Antonopoulos, rhythm guitarist Bill Xondrorrizos and drummer Stelios Papakostas.

The sound of Demon Prayers is an easy one to describe; the team are clearly influenced by European thrash titans Sodom, Kreator and Destruction, and the usual Premier League legends Slayer, Dark Angel and even a hint of Brazilian’s Sepultura.

The band, despite being happy to pay homage to their heroes, are still intent on bringing their own spin on proceedings. Although originality rarely glimmers through the smog of old school influence, this is still a meaty platter that I recommend to anyone who likes raw, energetic and, most of all, accomplished thrash metal.

Vocally Bonias has a rough ’n’ ready style which is very much Max Cavalera (Sepultura) meets Tom Angelripper (Sodom). From the off with the introduction – which bleeds into the title track – we’re transported back to the mid to late 80s when this sort of foaming thrash metal was all the rage; the riffs very much take on that Dark Angel side of angry speed and brooding brutality. As with so many thrash bands of today, the Slayer ingredient comes to the fore like a potent spice that provides a much needed kick.

To be honest, nothing beats a slice of deadly serious thrash. Despite their rawness, Demon Prayers really have hit hard on this record; not once do they rely on silly humour or revolting mimicry. Instead, they knuckle down and produce some really fetching riffs which enable the likes of ‘Senseless Reality’ to come to life as raging compositions.

As the band speed through the tracks on offer there is an obvious Kreator sneer mixed with a San Francisco Bay Area gang-chant attraction, and so the combination of influences makes for an interesting listen with some exceptional solos and unhealthy bouts of speed.

‘Tyranny (Respect Your Life Or Die)’ has to be one of the catchiest numbers on offer, bringing a real groove to the mix as the bass bubbles just under the surface of the compact drums and those feverish guitars which have a strong hint of chugging menace. It’s great that the band can inject a dose of melody, and a majority of the tracks on this debut album are pleasing to the ear in their frenzy.

A solid effort which bodes well for the future.

Neil Arnold

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