Murashita – Inescapable Damnation EP

Inescapable Damnation, the Solo EP release from Murashita, is set to break new ground as far as solo projects go. The five track EP, due to be released on 16th October features metal giants such as David Ellefson (Megadeth), Kevin Talley (Suffocation, Six Feet Under, Chimaira), Kelly Conlon (Death, Monstrosity) and Rodney McGlothlin (Voice of Dissent) in this release which is also mixed by award-winning producer Ryan Greene (NOFX, Megadeth).

As debut albums go, this offering from Murashita is not a bad effort. Admittedly at times, the opening track Retribution does feel as though there is a little too much going on. This makes it harder for a listener be able to concentrate on the brilliance in the technical ability showcased throughout the track. As the title track Inescapable Damnation crunches into play, it is instantly likeable for anybody who enjoys their thrash. It has the power and finesse of any of the biggest thrash bands currently on the scene, and out of all the songs on this release, it is perhaps the only one that stands out from the rest. With a blistering vocal technique with similarities to that of Kreator’s Mille Petrozza, it did take me a couple of listens to settle into this new style, but now it is a firm favourite. As a thrash fan, this track has it all for me – killer riffs, an impressive guitar solo, bass that you can actually feel and those all-important powerhouse vocals. Death or Glory comes as a slight breather for your humble headbanger, with vocals that sound like pure evil creeping their way into the track. Not as strong as it’s predecessor I feel, but definitely not a bad offering midway through this release.

The energy is back on the rise with the arrival of the 4th track Conquer the Foe, but there is the feeling that the harsh aggression of the vocals doesn’t entirely suit the lyrics of the chorus as it reads: “hear me now, free me now, it’s time to move on.”  As the closing track of this release rolls in, This Show Must Go On struggles with the aggression of the vocals being too consistent. There is a fine line between a new vocal style being interesting and new before it gets to be too much for a listener, and I feel that Murashita just oversteps it with this release.

Inescapable Damnation is due to be released on Friday, 16th October.