Italy’s Game Over were one of 2014’s surprise packages. Their sophomore album, Burst Into The Quiet (Scarlet), was rated by many as one of the best thrash releases of the year. To capitalize on their success, the band have re-released their 2012 debut, For Humanity (Scarlet).
From the Nuclear Assault-inspired logo and cartoon apocalypse cover to the copious amounts of denim vest jackets, these Thrash revivalists clearly know their source material. If it wasn’t for the crisp production job, this could have easily come from any number of 80s Bay Area bands.
From the off, there’s little introduction or fanfare and they just get stuck in with the good stuff. Sharp solos, air guitar-inducing riffs, and shout along choruses, everything you want and expect from a quality thrash experience. From the shredding opening of ‘Abyss of a Needle’ to the stomping ‘Bleeding Green’, there’s a strong scent of Anthrax running throughout the album, while frontman/bassist Reno’s vocals are often reminiscent of a slightly less accented Tankard, which is no bad thing.
Highlights including the fast and furious ‘War of Nations’, the Kill ’Em All-inspired ‘Another Dose of Thrash’, the blink and you’ll miss it blur of ‘N.S.A’ are all highlights, but there are occasional moments where things can get a bit tired. ‘Overgrill (El Grillador Loco)’ lacks any real sparkle until the final searing solo, while album closer ‘Tupa Tupa of Die’ fails to really stand out. The re-release comes with three live bonus tracks including a souped-up cover of Motörhead’s ‘Iron Fist’ and a couple of originals, showing off a band who can really bring it on stage.
Game Over know what they want to be, and are a pretty perfect version of it. Fans of Burst Into The Quiet will find their debut equally satisfying. Energetic and well-executed thrash may not be hard to come by, but these guys don’t do much wrong.
7.0/10
DAN SWINHOE