Some of the credit for the authenticity in the band's sound has to be given to producer Bill Metoyer. Why? Well, because he has been working with metal bands since the glory years of thrash and knows how to get that sound just right. He has worked with acts such as WASP, DRI, Sacred Reich, Slayer, Dark Angel, and Lizzy Borden. He knows what to do behind that board.

That is not to belittle the work of the band; they turn in extraordinary performances here. From the moment I heard the dueling solos to open "Total War," I knew I was in for a treat. This record is filled with big, fast, aggressive riffs with momentary breaks to allow for a blistering solo.

The guitar work is courtesy of John Laux and Adam Carroll. Backing up that duo is Ryan Bates delivering a nonstop barrage of drums and Andy Laux on bass. Leading the charge into the breach is John Kevill, whose vocals are something of a blend of screamo and thrash metal styles, fitting the band perfectly, although the one mix issue (slight as it is) is that Kevill could have been mixed a bit more forward.

When you get a copy of War Without End, and you know you will, here are a few tracks to pay attention to: "Total War," "Combat Shock," "Dread Command," and "At the Crack of Doom."

Bottomline. This retro-thrash scene can be seen as nothing but a good thing. I cannot say that anything groundbreaking will emerge and the legends need not worry about their legacy. What Warbringer brings to the table is solid new thrash tunes to bang our heads to. They have the skill not to sound like a copy, and a respect for the genre that shows through their music. Do yourself a favor, give Warbringer a shot.

Recommended.