Thrall – Schisms LP

Having been away from the recording studios for nearly seven years, Melbourne-based black-metal collective Thrall appeared to be relegated to the fate of “cult act”, especially considering they vanished after releasing their most accomplished and critically lauded album “Aokigahara Jukai”. Back with an enlivened recorded line-up that features members of Gatecreeper, Noose Rot, ex-Extinct Exist, Förfalla, Slothferatu, ex-Ruins, Mar Mortuum and Myotragus, the group picks up where they left off, merging some primeval and heinous black metal, with a ferocious thrash metal attack, a raucous crust and miserable doom atmosphere. New album “Schisms” possesses a similar vibe to their previous efforts but can hardly be seen as nostalgic imitation as Thrall also try to keep their songwriting interesting and varied by adding elements of post-rock to the mix. “Schisms” is equally ripping, engaging, and despairing and hopefully will cement Thrall's position as one of the most interesting and creative bands from the current Australian extreme metal scene.