Havok - 'Time Is Up'

Denver old-school thrashers Havok are the new breed of thrash.

There’s no sophomore jinx on Time is Up. Havok definitely steps up to the plate with this new release. The band has created memorable and catchy thrash songs designed to rip your face off. However, like Lazarus A.D.’s latest, Black Rivers Flow, it’s a more mature and cohesive effort than their debut, Burn.

Havok unashamedly wear their influences on their sleeve; early-era Testament, Metallica, Megadeth, Exodus and Slayer come to mind. But they also have elements that distinctively make the music their own. They take the old-school thrash, especially the Bay Area style, and blend it with their own interpretation and enthusiasm for the genre. Touches of classic rock, Teutonic thrash, ’80s metal-inspired influences and slap-bass are heavily embraced.

Produced by vocalist/guitarist David Sanchez, mixed by Pete Rutcho (Revocation) and mastered by James Murphy, its crisp and robust sound is a perfect match for Havok’s thrash attack. The lead guitar work of Reece Scruggs is out of this world — technical, furious and in your face.

The opening chords of CD opener “Prepare For Attack” sounds a bit like Metallica’s “Whiplash.” Its start-stop patterns, fast and furious riffs, pounding drums and gang shout vocals make for a great beginning to Time is Up. The layered vocal and guitar harmonies on “Killing Tendencies,” the prominent bass lines on the title track and the catchy old-school sound of “D.O.A.” showcase Havok’s ability to create classic thrash mixed with different elements.

This is a damn good thrash album. Call it retro, new thrash revival or whatever, Havok have the chops and the ability to prove that they have the staying power to last in this genre.

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