I lived in Dallas, Texas for a few years and I can verify that everything is in fact, bigger in Texas. I AM does the Lone Star state proud with their third effort, Eternal Steel (MNRK Heavy), an album full of huge and murky riffs, devastating grooves, and over-the-top destruction.

Fans of mid-nineties Morbid Angel and Sepultura will not want to miss this one. I Am provided eleven intense, kick you in the balls and stomp on your skull brutal songs that barely lets up for even a moment.

 

I Am does a great job of employing the vicious bite of thrash metal’s speed with crunchy riffs, deep grooves and blistering solos. The vocals are intense and a perfect match for the album’s ferocity. Beneath the chaos, I Am’s southern roots can be felt with their love for deep grooves and headbanging anthems.

The title track, ‘Eternal Steel’ is an absolute banger full of thrash metal riffs and death metal brutality that is sure to please any headbanger.

 

While I Am does a great job delivering the brutality, they also take time to offer some diversity on this recording. ‘Queen Incarnate’ slows things down with an acoustic intro showcasing a little bit of the bands musical ability to set a mood (and give your neck a break). The track continues to feel dark and moody with plenty of doom metal vibes.

‘Viscous Instinct’ is a nice mid-tempo track with some viscous (…!) riffs and a killer anthem but the alternating time signatures make the track feel a little uneven. ‘Iron Gate’ is another track that has a more somber beginning but does a better job of balancing the sound.

 

I Am really shines with their delivery of straight, no frills, heavy and brutal “Texas Death” sound: the heavy thrash riffs, Texas flavored grooves and growling vocals are worth checking.

 

Buy the album here: https://iam-eternalsteel.com/

 

7 / 10

ANDREW RISCH