Methane – Kill It With Fire
Reviewed by: Blake Mossey
Review Score: 9
Methane, originating from Sweden and known for their Groove/Thrash Metal sound, released their second album early last year. I only discovered it recently, but had I heard it then, it certainly would have been among my top albums of 2023.
Formed in last 2012 by Vocalist/Bass player Tim Scott of legendary death metal band Revenant with the death metal legend John McEntee of Incantation fame. Joining Tim was Jimi Masterbo from the band Hell Patrol on guitar and also on guitar Markus Grundstom of Cryonic Temple and pounding on the drums is Richard Fredriksson. The band has served as an opening act for Whiplash, Warbringer, and The Haunted, among others. Additionally, they have performed at the Sabaton festival.
This is the follow up to their debut The Devil’s Own in 2017. Kill It With Fire is a fast and furious thrash album clocking in at 31 minutes with 7 tracks.
Kill It With Fire
The album kicks off with thunderous drums that pave the way for the chugging, thrashing guitars. The opening riffs transport me back to the late ’80s and early ’90s thrash sound, albeit with a modern twist. The relentless riffs tear through, ushering in the solo section. Thrash remains my favorite genre, and it’s invigorating to hear bands that still deliver incredible guitar solos. I’ve longed for that. Kill It With Fire, as defined by Urban Dictionary, means to destroy with extreme prejudice. It’s a fiery start to the album.
Accuser (of the brethren)
More of a groove metal track but the thrash is always prevalent. This one starts off with sound bites from a Jesus Freak lady at a Walmart trying to convert customers. So we get a lot of “Mother F**kin Accuser” at the start and some people might get tired of hearing that every time they listen but I think its hilarious and adds a fun spot in the album. While the song still cranks out the metal.
Declare Chaos
“The rich get rich and the poor get shit”! The opening line to another thrash monster. Also love the line “Give me Liberty or give me death, An American dream, don’t hold your breath” Drums stand out on this track especially. Tim Scotts vocals sound great on whole album but just love the way he sounds on the chorus on this track.
Shock And Awe
I get a Machine Head feel on this track and even some Once Human with some of the vocal work. The riffs just never stop on this album. Plenty of time changes and the speed doesn’t stop on this one. Liner notes states about this track “World leaders comparing the size of their missiles in the locker room of the world stage”
A Blood Red Sky
This track progressively accelerates in speed and volume, reminiscent of Slayer‘s ‘Black Magic’. It features a guest appearance by CJ Scioscia from Blood Feast. Dedicated to the Native American people, this song stands out as a highlight of the album, offering an array of impressive solos for an auditory feast.
Down In The Gutter
With a different vibe, Down In The Gutter presents spoken word vocals that bring to mind Pantera, combining heavy riffing with a groovy metal sound. The band describes it as Swingin Southern Groove. Although initially intended for a single release in 2020, circumstances didn’t align at that time.
Thin The Herd
The album ends with a headbanging thrash feast. Not that the rest of the album isn’t also that. This one also takes me back to the old boys of Slayer and Exodus and to the classic straight in your face thrash metal. A great way to finish the album, but honestly any song would fit anywhere on this album.
Conclusion
This thrash album is the finest I’ve encountered in years. The band’s overall musical performance is outstanding, complemented by Tim’s impressive vocal delivery. Should you not be familiar with this band or album, do look them up. For thrash enthusiasts, it’s an essential listen.