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HAVOK
Unnatural Selection

Candlelight (2013)
Rating: 7.5/10

Denver, Colorado’s Havok were one of those bands spearheading the thrash revival that emerged just a few years into the new millennium.

Unnatural Selection is the band’s third full-length platter, and despite several line-up changes since their formation in 2004, Havok have stuck to their guns and churned out some decent retro thrash that sits nicely alongside other moshers such as Municipal Waste, who were one of the bands responsible for first bringing old school style thrash to the masses.

Since 2004 Havok have been fronted by David Sanchez – vocalist, guitarist and captain of the ship – who since 2010 has been accompanied by lead guitarist Reece Scruggs and drummer Pete Webber, with bassist Michael Leon joining in 2013.

Despite the seemingly unsteady ship, the constant alterations within the camp seem to suggest that like thrash titans Megadeth, there is a method to the ever-changing madness. Although Havok, like so many of the modern thrash bands doing the rounds, have yet to make the same impact on the scene as those bands in the 80s, Unnatural Selection is still a commendable effort that combines old school structures, dynamics and ethos – the result being a rattling good listen that proves far more rewarding than so many of the other recent thrash metal copyists.

Vocally, as expected, David Sanchez is quite a force; his sneering vocal attack makes a change from the almost daft, comical set-up some bands are going for. Sanchez effortlessly shifts between two main styles, the first being the vicious, spitting rasp, the second a slightly more melodic tone, both of which are evident on the slightly funk-influenced groove of ‘Is It True’, which boasts an infectious, and colourful rhythm section – the sort of cool, jerk you’d expect to hear on a Suicidal Tendencies record.

Album opener ‘I Am The State’ is a far different proposition, a dark, brooding thrasher that builds with a racing guitar and frantic drum assault. Sanchez this time adopts a rather archetype thrash snarl, while Leon’s bass thuds away with considerable force.

Just like in the 1980s, I’m predicting that much of the current crop of thrash upstarts will fizzle away, eventually becoming bereft of what little ideas they have. But I’m also pretty sure that acts such as Havok, who clearly have a little more in the think tank, will survive the wave and continue to release notable thrash records.

The Anthrax-styled chug of ‘Under The Gun’ and pounding ‘Living Nightmare’ suggest that Havok aren’t just here to make up the numbers – again those hostile vocals do their job, backed by the distinctive mosh pit chants that made so many of the older thrash bands so popular.

The fact these guys were invited to open for thrash gods Testament is testimony to their work ethic and knowledge of the genre. Tracks such as ‘Chasing The Edge’, with its intriguing intro, and the blistering title cut are evidence of a band keen to combine the old school values with their own style, which should hold them in good stead for years to come.

Those failed to be moved by the sinister surge of ‘Worse Than War’ need look elsewhere, because Unnatural Selection is a formidable little record that relies on the serious rather than the silly to make its mark, and for that I admire Havok.

Neil Arnold

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