Music Review: grief of WAR - Worship

It was last year that I was first introduced to grief of WAR and their inventive use of capitalization. It was a wonderful introduction, both parties got along well and there was definite chemistry and hope for the future. Of course, this was all through clenched teeth, raised fist, and a rather prominent attitude, but you could still sense the love in the air.

The reason this meeting came about was Prosthetic Records was bringing the band across the ocean to the west, introducing them to a band from the east that had a love for the music of the west. Yes, a Japanese band playing thrash was invading the shores where the style originated. They may not have made a big splash, but it was memorable for me.

Grief of WAR's debut album, 2005's a mounting crisis... as their fury got unleashed, came to American shops in 2008. It was not an album that everyone lined up for, but those who found it knew they had something special. It was raw, aggressive, and pure. Of course, such an auspicious debut brings up the question of whether or not they can keep it up. Four years after their debut, and one scant 15 months since my discovery, the band is back with their sophomore effort, Worship.

I am happy to report that the raw aggression, in your face attitude, and pure thrash sound is still here. Time has not diluted or softened their desire to deliver the metal. Their sound has been dubbed "Samurai Crunch" and it is definitely crunchy, just as it slices through the air like a samurai sword.

Formed in 2002, grief of WAR have the stated purpose of being "the true heir of real thrash metal." Now, I do not know how far along that road they will get, but this new album does not hurt them any. The biggest problem is that this is nothing that we haven't heard before. It certainly has been awhile since we have seen a new band come around with the finely tuned and seriously focused talent of grief of WAR to play it so convincingly. In their favor, we do not always need new and cutting edge, a band that has the skills to turn out solid music in a familiar genre should not be ignored. Grief of WAR is no mere copycat, they took the sounds of yesterday and have made them fresh again.

Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

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