What we have here is a newly-formed thrash band from Norwich, which includes some well-known musicians from the local scene. Guitarist Nathan Sadd is still also in Shrapnel, which is a former band for bassist/vocalist Aarran Tucker and drummer Chris Williams (also in Gama Bomb). The line-up is completed by guitarist Lexell Altaïr, with four singles released so far since last year. On the strength of these singles, Struck A Nerve have signed a deal with Listenable Records for the release of their eponymous debut in two weeks.
From the very first few seconds of opener Nocturnal Terror, things become really serious with some super meaty and savage guitar riffs, reminding of Slayer, Enforced and early Sacred Reich. This is predominantly a thrash album even if there are some slight hardcore influences here and there, adding a touch of viciousness to the musical picture. The front cover by Wes Brown is strikingly good, bringing to mind early Napalm Death or Crumbsuckers artwork, which I am sure is a deliberate effect.
Parade Of Violence, Raining Death or the opening minutes of closer Leviathan Wings may bear the most obvious Slayer influences, but elsewhere Struck A Nerve sound like a beast of their own. Some of the heaviness in guitar parts also brings classic The Haunted to mind, while the band never for a second seizes to amaze with their utter professionalism and stellar playing. There are also plenty of super tasteful and precise guitar solos, which always come at the right place. The confidence these guys play with and the sheer quality of the nine songs are a pure revelation in recent times of musical over-saturation. It is really hard to pick out particular tracks because the album sounds so homogenous. Try to keep calm while musical bulldozers like Inside The Torture Fortress or Last Eyes See All drill a hole through your brain. Impossible!
Struck A Nerve is a fresh, inspired take on thrash, composed and performed like there’s no tomorrow, with absolutely nothing superfluous or even remotely boring. This is an album which you could listen to and enjoy front to back and then put it on repeat until your ears bleed. It’s bands like this which will carry the torch after the forefathers exist no more and which are good enough to be a bridge between radical old school metalheads like myself and the youngest generation.
10/10
Struck A Nerve will be out on November 28th and can be ordered from HERE
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