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RANCOR
Bury The World

Xtreem Music (2022)
Rating: 7/10

Beginning life at the tail end of the 90s, Spanish act Rancor has just issued its fourth full-length album, Bury The World.

It’s been five years since their Evilization opus but the quintet remains consistent at delivering potent thrash metal featuring some razor riff work, a bone-juddering bass and thumping percussion. Vocally, Dani López is impressive too; his pipes are clean but have a touch of fire as the band blasts its way through the effective title track.

One can see why these guys have shared the same stage as veterans such as Tankard, Destruction and Onslaught, because they know how to construct a riveting thrash tune full of catchiness and precision.

There’s nothing devastatingly heavy about Rancor, but you do get an Anthrax vibe at times. The flashes of crossover with ‘Rat Licker’ work well, then there’s the speedy attack of ‘Berserk’ which has strong Slayer vibes musically, and there’s plenty of snappy aggression too hinting at Vio-lence.

‘Daggers In The Chest’ is a particular favourite of mine, and one of the heaviest numbers on the record as it brings a chugging menace before upping the speed and bringing the likes of Overkill and Metal Church to mind. Meanwhile, ‘Hunting Humans’ drifts towards a Megadeth vibe as the bass rattles successfully and some interesting shifts take place around the solo. It’s accessible, routine thrash and it seems rather happy to sit that way.

Elsewhere, ‘Evade’ provides a melodious lead, hinting at a Testament assault. There’s also streaks of Death Angel and shades of, say, Evile when they kickstarted the new thrash revolution. ‘Crushing Your Bones’ is a tad generic though gallops nicely, but I do like the initial gnashing groove of ‘Bad Angel’, while ‘Evil Subjugation’ continues that razor-wire attack.

It’s decent stuff if you like on the level, fast-paced and clinical thrashing menace. Rancor may not have that cutting edge to take them higher up the second division, but you won’t feel cheated if you see them live or slap this one in the stereo.

Bury The World is formulaic but energetic thrash metal for those who like their metal to the point and fuelled by fire and influences.

Neil Arnold

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