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IREFUL
Agents Of Doom

Xtreem Music (2024)
Rating: 7.5/10

I was extremely impressed by The Walls Of Madness EP which was put out by this Italian thrash mob in 2021. I’d almost forgotten about the Palermo-based quartet though until Xtreem Music announced the release of this full-length album, Agents Of Doom.

I hope you didn’t miss Ireful first time round, their brand of thrash is, although plain and simple, both energetic and fun too, especially if you like a punky attitude married with some old Exodus under the leadership of Steve Souza. Strangely, this is the sort of record that if released in 1986 I might’ve taken a gamble on but after a few spins got bored of. That’s not to say that Ireful is a dull act, the posse provides plenty of mid-paced chunkiness alongside the Teutonic speed, but it’s all relatively safe and conservative so I’m sort of thankful the album runs for just 35 minutes.

Within the timeframe you get a batch of reasonably strong songs, some of which feel expansive while maintaining grit, for example ‘Blackhearted Master’ with its Bay Area groove. In fact, it’s as if one is listening to a low-key 80s import that you’re glad you own in spite of its ability to gather dust on the shelf. Bursts of old Mordred, Heathen and Overkill blend nicely riff-wise while the vocals continue with their edgy snap.

What this debut album lacks in identity or intricacy is more than made up for by its ability to simply thrash, with much of what’s offered being catchy and crunchy. ‘Exiles For Metal’ is a real rager that hits hard in the percussion, but there’s still time for a mid-tempo groove. The title track is brisk too, clean cut in its lead work and subtle in melody.

I don’t believe any relatively new act can be the future of thrash because the past remains so potent, but if you want direct, concise and reliable metal then Ireful are your guys. I probably won’t play this album until my dying day but I’m playing it a lot right now.

Neil Arnold

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