Back in 2018, the Polish trio SPECIES came crashing into the scene with their debut “To Find Deliverance”, and they weren’t messing around. Now, with their second album “Changelings”, they prove that their initial impression was no fluke. This release is another statement which marks a considerable step up with embracing a vicious and infectious take on Thrash of pure quality which boldly combines technicality and progressiveness. It’s a sound that is both head spinning and utterly compelling, feeling like heavy machinery waging a brutal war against humanity. From the opener with ‘Inspirit Creation’ their songwriting skills are on full display, which immediately feels like forged to exude a sense of impending doom, bristling with sci-fi paranoia, alien terror and a hint of cold war menace. The later numbers ‘The Essence’, ‘Waves Of Time’ and ‘Voyager’ show that in full display. And this further demonstrates from the opening moments of ‘Born Of Stitch And Flesh’, a furious number that perfectly embodies the album’s body horror themes, to the 10-minute closer ‘Biological Masterpiece’. The compositions demonstrate an overload of guitar warfare and rhythmic percussive seizures. The true brilliance lies in the intricate basslines that don’t just follow the guitar but dialogue with it in a way that offers a second melodic brain to the album. Across the 40 minutes length of the record, the compositions are strong and though provoking will appeal to fans who enjoy the malaise of this genre. The production is perfectly suited for its sound, with a grimy, suffocating clarity that allows every rhythmic piston and screeching loop to hit with maximum impact. The only frustration could be the sheer complexity over thrashing menace, as the album demands to be heard repeatedly, leaving you wanting a double dose. While there’s more than enough primitive and traditional Thrash bands active to fulfill the thirst of any Thrash maniacs, SPECIES takes on the genre’s lesser-travelled road with forward-thinking and inventive experimentation, like ATHEIST did in the Death Metal spectrum. With a very mind juggling cover artwork, which should strike first before the compositions, “Changelings” can be an interesting listen for anyone seeking a fresh and clever sounding record. Find out more about the band and record here: www.facebook.com/metalspecies, www.facebook.com/20buckspin