There’s just something about the last handful of years and releases that are classified as either crossover Thrash or Metallic Hardcore that absolutely kills it. Moreso, when an album drops that has a mix of both of these subgenres, like the UK-based Guilt Trip, it’s just everything you want out of aggressive music on a bad day. With that, unleashed onto the world is Severance (via Malevolence’s label, MLVLTD), Guilt Trip’s sophomore full-length, an album that puts you through the grinder and spits you out for thirty-four minutes.
While Severance is essentially a work-out album, just about every track is full-on relentless aggression. “Eyes Wide Shut” has just about everything Guilt Trip has to offer in one burst – from Thrash riffs and circle-pit-inducing speed, to the build-up and eventual breakdowns that will cause spin kicks for hours. There’s even a face-melting solo that helps transition from the intense Thrash section to the bridge of breakdowns to close out the track.
“Sweet Dreams” is the next track and immediately comes out swinging with a defiant chorus line from vocalist Jay Valentine followed by a breakdown to keep the violence quota at an eleven. On this track (as well as a couple others, “Sanctified” and the mellow closer “Dusk”) are clean vocals to add some harmony and help break up the consistent intensity.
“Tearing Your Life Away”, one of the singles released, has to be one of the angriest songs released this year with a spine-snapping breakdown in the bridge. Even the guitar riffs are that much more aggressive than most of the other tracks.
Having only found Guilt Trip in the last year or so, I had high expectations for their second full-length, Severance. I think they easily reached and then shattered them with this release. With the DIY background and getting signed to MLVLTD Music resulting in this absolutely stunning collection of songs, I am very excited to see what the future has in store for Guilt Trip, who are establishing themselves as a leader in the subgenre as a whole.
Buy the album here:
9 / 10
TIM LEDIN