From the opening evil strains of ‘The Fourth’ on Dust Bolt’s newest 2019 killer pixie from hell Thrash album entitled Trapped In Chaos (Napalm Records) to the closing typewriter-on-meth induced ‘Who I Am’ there is not a beat dropped, nor a wall devoid of blood splatter. Trapped In Chaos lives up to its name as Dust Bolt delivers a manic chaotic Thrash album that rings in the new year with head-banging, ear-bleeding aplomb.

What I like most about Dust Bolt’s Trapped in Chaos is the consistency. They’ve delivered ten Thrash songs on quite an even keel and one stand-out power ballad.

Lenny Bruce’s vocals are the perfect mixture of gravelly screaming and melodic Metal. Nico Rayman’s drumming is frenetic. He’s the backbone of the entire album. The guitars, bass, and vocals revolve around him like a demonic maypole. Flo Dehn and Mr. Bruce’s guitar playing are a shredmeister’s wet dream and the songs harken back to Slayer’s glory days.

‘Bloody Rain’ is my favourite track. It’s the perfect mix of everything. The composition has loud guitars, machine gun fire drumming, excellent lyrics, and heavy chorus. ‘Killing Time’ is the perfect circle pit song. ‘Chaos Possession’ is my favourite for air drumming, while ‘Another Day in Hell’ is a languid and soulful ode to Testament, but it feels out of place. It’s like you are partying along and then a huge needle across the record scratch, total silence, everyone looking at the record player and DJ. What have you done?!

With the rest of the album, some of the notes come fast and furious, whilst others have the precision of a woodpecker engaged in its woodwork. I dare you to listen to this album and not bang your head! It’s impossible.

Dust Bolt has a solid album in Trapped In Chaos. If Thrash is your thing, don’t miss this one.

6 / 10

VICTORIA ANDERSON