Game Over – Hellframes
Reviewed By: Jim Harrison
Review Score: 8.5
Italian thrash masters Game Over are set to release their new album, Hellframes via Scarlet Records on October 20, 2023.
This is a total thrash assault from start to finish creating excitement for this release. Lyrically this album covers personal struggles, the existence of the human mind, pain and fear, producing an absolute killer album. The album and cover art was created by Mario López who has worked with bands Crystal Viper and Evil Invaders.
Members Renato Chiccoli, vocalist/bass, Alessandro Sansone, guitarist, Luca Zironi, guitarist/backing vocals and Anthony Dantone drummer meld a sound all their own bringing thrash metal musically, vocally and lyrically into a 2023 style defiantly giving homage to an old school thrash sound.
The album begins with ‘Visions’ that is an ominous soundscape musical intro to set the listener on their journey. ‘Calm Of The Siren’ sets in motion a fast, pounding relentless drum and guitar rampage. This is one of three of my favorite tracks and the vocals mix awesome with the speed of this song. This has an old school Metallica guitar sound reminiscent of earlier thrash days.
‘Path of Pain’ has a darker doom sound still a total thrasher with a more traditional metal vibe. The vocals and guitar riffs shine. The next track ‘The Cult’ has a cool Suicidal Tendencies sound and Ronato has a Mike Muir energy that really punches through this song. The guitar riffs are outstanding and the drums and bass pound you into submission.
‘Count Your Breaths’ begins with a slower acoustic sound and I would classify this as possibly a ballad until halfway through the song when it rips into a fantastic guitar solo punching this song to new heights. This is another track where the vocals shine.
‘Atonement’ is another one of my favorite tracks. This easily rivals any thrash instrumentals I have heard so far this year by any band. The heavy drums and bass make this easily a fan favorite in the album, I just wish it was longer.
‘Deliver Us’ is my other favorite on this album. Fast guitar solos makes this an awesome song to bang your head to. This would be an awesome live track. ‘Synthetic Dreams’ has a total Anthrax vibe to it really pushing a heavy punk sound. I love the robotic box at the end.
‘My World Dies Screaming’ is another darker, thrash doom track that sounds awesome. This leads into the last song which is the title track ‘Hell Frames’ where everything comes together to end off this listening experience on a high.
Game Over brings their own thrash sound to the masses in style. I have listened to this album about half a dozen times and each time picking up cool thrash nuances that make this release special. This album is for any metal head looking for a technical, pure thrash sound that rivals anything out there. Vocally and musically this is top of their genre release and leaves you wanting to spin this over and over again.
I recommend picking this album up and definitely playing it to eleven.
Game Over is:
Renato “ Rene” Chiccoli vocals/bass
Luca “Zeero” Zironi guitar/backing vocals|
Alessandro “ Sanso” Sansone guitar
Anthony “ Vender” Dantone drums