Thrash is a beautiful thing; while something new can sound exactly like it came out of 1988, it is still so full of energy and vigor that it also sounds fresh. While sub-genres have evolved and taken thrash in new and awesome directions, the backbone itself remains largely unchanged in nearly forty years. Sticking closely to this strong and powerful root, Witchtrap drop their latest, Hungry as the Beast. From the title and grim cover all the way to the last note, this album is exactly what a long-time thrash fan would come to expect, not just from Witchtrap but from the genre as a whole. Often, this unwavering support to a sound/aesthetic tends to grow stale after time, however, one's energy and passion can elevate this appreciation and deliver an exciting freshness. This is where Witchtrap stands, their commitment to the music and their fans keeping them high in the hearts of their followers and easily accessible to new fans. Hungry as the Beast is old school thrash at its core, fast and fun as it was when it was in its heyday. As one would guess from the band name, title, and cover, this is thrash with an evil bent, its worldwide release timed perfectly for all the ghosts and ghouls about to descend on our stores, streets, and screens. Backing this is a rough, throaty, vocal delivery that adds to the intensity and helps get Witchtraps macabre message across. The riffing is frenetic and fun and matches the percussion to move the songs along at a very good clip; they're not too fast to enjoy the notes nor slower and bog down the intensity of the album. To put it briefly, Hungry as the Beast is thrash as you have come to expect over the past thirty-odd years, but the same beast that you've loved and banged your head to.

 

Witchtrap's Hungry as the Beast is a rockin', shreddin', fun new entry in their discography, showing that these Columbian metalheads haven't slowed down in the time off since their last release. Released in South America earlier this year via their own Dirty Sound Records, Hungry as the Beast now has a worldwide distribution with Hells Headbangers. Keeping the scene thrashing and grooving for decades, this latest is a worthy release in their catalog and one that will bring a smile to many metalheads' faces.