Lost Society - Terror Hungry (2014)

One of the bigger bombs last year was from the new crossover thrash band Lost Society. These Finnish lads made a big splash with their debut album "Fast Loud Death" that was fast, crazy and a whole lot of fun. So I was not surprised with the announcement that the band would release its sophomore album "Terror Hungry" as soon as one year after the release of their debut. I can tell this is a band that does not want to sit still, they want action and they want it now.

For those of you who listened to "Fast Loud Death" will definitely recognize "Terror Hungry". The album is packed with crossover thrash that goes faster than the speed of light, but I can tell some improvements here and there. The lyrics are not as juvenile as they were in "Fast Loud Death". You will not find a song like "Piss Out My Ass" on "Terror Hungry", but the band still has some way to go until they can write grand and meaningful lyrics. But then again, it is a crossover thrash band, so I do not expect Lost Society to create the next "Bohemian Rhapsody".

No, the band lets the music do the talking instead, and compared to the predecessor, the songs on "Terror Hungry" are a lot longer. Only 3 songs goes under 3 minutes while the same amount of songs goes over 5 minutes, which is surprising since crossover thrash is famous for their short, fast paced songs. But the band manages well to keep the intensity in every track they throw at your face.

And it is some good music that we are treated with. From the fast shredding "Game Over" and the "old-school" song "Lethal Pressure" to the bone crushing "Overdosed Brain" and the rocking bonus track "You Can't Stop Rock 'n' Roll", you will experience a vast variety of thrash in "Terror Hungry", although I still think that the variety was greater in "Fast Loud Death". No matter what, there are 14 songs to pick from, and it is hard not to find at least one song that you will highly enjoy.

"Terror Hungry" lives up to the hype that "Fast Loud Death" created. It is another fast paced steamroller that shows as much thrash down your throat that is possible until you either throw up or shit it out. This album is just another proof of who is currently the kings of crossover thrash. And I do not know about you guys, but this album makes me terribly hungry for even more music by these crazy Finns.

Songs worthy of recognition: Game Over, Attaxic, Lethal Pressure, You Can't Stop Rock 'N' Roll

Rating: 8,5/10 Brewtal Awakenings

Lost Society - Fast Loud Death (2013)

Finland is not well known for its thrash metal legacy but out of nowhere comes the confident quartet Lost Society. Originating from Jyväskylä in central Finland, the band is coming at you with classic old school "play as fast as we can while still having a comical side"-thrash in their debut album "Fast Loud Death". 13 songs filled with adrenaline pumping and mosh pit friendly thrash metal landing in on around 35 minutes should make sure to get that approval from every old school fans.

One important ingredient in this type of music is the attitude and self confidence, two attributes that Lost Society has more than enough of. the band is blasting through the album in a great way and the instrumentality are spot on. I could have wished that the bass was more prominent but the overall production is still great (no wonder since this band is signed by Nuclear Blast, my favourite music label).

If we look more closely to the material in "Fast Loud Death" I feel that the maturity level on this album is pretty low. With titles like "Piss Out My Ass" and "Bitch, Out' My Way" the band is more likely to be taken as a big joke than seriously. Sure, the band members are young and most bands in this genre has some immature humour in their lyrics as well but this is a little more than most can handle in one album. But if we put the lyrics aside and instead look into the music itself then you will most likely be struck with brilliance. The music is fast and it makes your head move through instinct. And together with the band's youthful spirit, there is a big chance that you will enjoy "Fast Loud Death".

Unfortunately, as usual with bands like Lost Society, the song are way too short to be really appreciated. Songs like "Toxic Avenger" and "KILL (Those Who Oppose Me)" are good creations but the short length is a real handicap. Before you know it, the song is over and the next one is playing. Fortunately, it is the longer songs that rules the album. One of the few 3+ minutes songs are "Thrash All Over You" that is charging you with great guitar playing and furious drum beats. Then add that the band is backing up Sammy Elbanna's voice perfectly and we have our self a great thrash song. Other tracks that is impressing with its shredding abilities are "Bitch Out' My Way", "Braindead Metalhead" and the title track.

One big advantage that "Fast Loud Death" possesses is that the album does not get boring, an attribute that way to many albums in this genre has. Yeah sure it is 70% speed and 30% guitar show off through the album but the variety Lost Society is showing is astounding. In "Lead through The Head" the band is shifting down a couple of gears to bring forth a straight forward chorus that fits well with the rest of the song and "Escape From Delirium" has some small punk influences that surprises.

So far I have listened to around 10 debut albums this year and as usual it has been ups and downs but the overall strength of the newcomers this year is surprisingly high and Lost society is just another band in the row that is showing that 2013 will be the year of the newbies. "Fast Loud Death" is a really fun listen with some great craftsmanship and a killer singing performance. There is no doubt that Lost Society has a future in the music industry and with the signing of Nuclear Blast I think they could be the next big thing in thrash. The band just have to gain some experience to wash of the immaturity in the lyrics department but that will come in time. These guys is bringing retro-thrash into the 21st century in big style.

Songs worthy of recognition: Lead Through The Head, Braindead Metalhead Thrash All Over You, Bitch Out' My Way

Rating: 9/10 Toxic Avengers