A surprising return that may be different than expected
Scorched Earth Policy is a thrash metal group that has been pretty quiet for some time, and with only a few demos and one other EP to their name, it is unlikely that many metal fans have heard them or of them. However, after five year absence, the group has returned with their second EP, 'Millennial Delusions'.
Sporting six tracks that could easily have made up a full length album (as most thrash albums these days on average clock at thirty minutes), the music is collection of raw heavy metal tunes mixed with harsh singing, growling here and there, and the more melodic bits that might be heard in power metal on top of energetic thrash. This isn't exactly in the vein of Slayer as some might expect, but more along the lines of hard rock mixed with thrash in the vein of groups like more recent Susperia; this is evident in tracks like "The Hack". As far as the vocals go, listeners will probably prefer the mid range singing as they higher pitched vocals clash with the angry riffs and the growls and snarls are a bit too overpowering.
Other tracks like "Mountain" are just straight up hard rock tunes with little in the way of the old-school thrash some might be expecting. No wild solos here; just groovy riffs. The most enjoyable track would probably have to be the instrumental "Deadly Division". With no vocals to interfere, the music has a driving rhythm to it with the riffs- still akin to groove metal- but opens with an excellent drum beginning before leading into the guitars. Even the solos here are not on 'speed metal' terms, but are still enjoyable for their melodic side, and with the backing 'funeral hymn' created by some of the notes the music is given a unique edge that makes it more than just 'thrash n' chug'.
Overall, this EP will certainly do nicely for those who have been out of the loop with Scorched Earth Policy and gives them new direction to experiment with. For those who are just new to the group, this is an excellent blend of hard rock and thrash that will definitely sate those who believe more in the 'modern metal' sub genre.
(Independent)
