So, finally I get to review a Thrash Metal (my fave sub-genre) band for Voices From The Darkside. And with a bunch of “retro” bands that suddenly have overcrowded the international scene, REPENT stand for good old Thrash Metal the way it was meant to be played! Fast and harsh! Formed back in 1992, when the whole Thrash Metal thing was “coming to an end”, REPENT is rooted firmly in the late 80s. I have been following the band since their first demo tape. The progression they have shown along the way is amazing! So, after 4 demos and 2 full length albums, here we have their Promo 2009. I can’t describe how good this 4 tracker is! The mix is clear and audible. The overall production is clean, yet raw enough and totally organic with a heavy guitar / bass tone and brilliant drumming. All the elements are there. I totally dig the vocals. They are raspy and aggressive, with a Tom Araya / Steve Reynolds vibe that fits the music perfectly! No triggers, no samples, no digital stuff. The longest song clocks at 3:16 but this should not scare you. The songs are fast and heavy, stripped down to maximize the attack. They could use a little more character, in my humble opinion. Yet REPENT knows how to thrash in their own style and how to keep things original and interesting. with some Speed Metal elements nicely blended with moshing parts like the opening riff for ‘Rat Race’. So, this EP is just a total riff-fest! Along their 18 year career, REPENT has evolved but their inspiration for Thrash Metal is still intact. Their native Germany has been known for unleashing some of the greatest bands in this particular style and REPENT is rapidly rising to that status. They absolutely deserve it! Totally recommended for old and new Thrashers. BTW, this Promo is available for free at the REPENT website, www.repent.de. So, go ahead and get it now! Contacts: www.repent.de, www.myspace.com/repentfuckingthrash