Harlott – Proliferation

If you like your thrash metal fast, then look no further – Harlott have that covered, with their brand-spanking new release called Proliferation. The Aussies hailing from Melbourne have all the brutal assault of Slayer or Exodus with melodies not dissimilar to Annihilator. These young lads could be the answer to every old school thrasher’s dream of new bands sounding like the good old days when thrash was at it’s height in the ’80s.

This album has a no-nonsense approach, as opening track ‘Proliferation’ lulls the listener into a false sense of security before pulling out all the stops and hitting with a crashing energy . With a constantly changing structure to keep you entertained, Harlott cannot be accused of being boring with this release with it being only their second full length album. Somehow, they manage to reach speeds that most young bands could not, without falling into the trap of being sloppy or boring.

I simply cannot think of any criticisms about the content of this album. Coming in at only 44 minutes, it is short but sweet – yet long enough to leave a lasting impression. The only thing that I would change if I could would be the length of the album. It’s all over very quickly, and there is a tangible sense of loss when it’s finished. I thought my favourite track on the album was ‘Restless’, before I heard ‘Lord of War’, which was before I heard ‘Bloodlust’ prior to the arrival of closing track ‘Means to an End’ as it crunched the album to a close. In short, this album keeps getting better and better as you progress through it, with the perfect fusion of chunky and wailing riffs and vocals similar to Tom Araya of Slayer. Again, it must be said that my only nitpick is it isn’t long enough! It’s an absolutely stellar album, packed with energy and emotion and it feels like it is over all too soon.

Track Listing:

01. Proliferation
02. Denature
03. Systematic Reduction
04. Restless
05. The Fading Light
06. Lord of War
07. Civil Unrest
08. Hellbent
09. Bloodlust
10. Cross Contamination
11. Legion
12. Means to an End

Harlott are on tour with Annihilator and Archer with the following UK and Ireland dates:

Wednesday 30th September – Birmingham, O2 Academy

Thursday 1st October – Dublin, Button Factory

Friday 2nd October – Glasgow, O2 ABC 2

Saturday 3rd October – Sheffield, O2 Academy

Sunday 4th October – London, O2 Academy Islington