"Hibernation Devastation": UK Thrashers BANGOVER Deliver Grizzly Barrage Of Relentless Riffage

'Hibernation Devastation' is out now [photo: Bangover]

There's probably not many thrash bands that could pull off a song about trains, an evil shed, and a Leatherface parody, let alone all on the same album, but BANGOVER somehow not just make it work, but make it hit incredibly hard. Formed admist the UK thrash revival, the band have released 'Hibernation Devastation', their first full album since 2018.

The album opens with horror parody "The Texas Chainsaw Thrashacre", taking the namesake film and turning it into 5 minutes of fast, unrelenting thrash. This is a great introduction to the next 30 odd minutes, including everything from heavy down picking to frantic double kick, and even what sounds like a steel or lap guitar.

"Scum of the Earth" continues the intensity, sounding destined for a wall of death at a hot, muddy festival. The dual guitars sound like they have been ripped straight from a Slayer record, and the vocals pack a powerful punch. Bangover are about as subtle as a brick with their inspirations, but this makes for an incredibly fun listen.

With "Thrashional Rail", the band present the perfect thrash anthem for anyone finding themselves disillusioned with the UK's public transport. A sweaty crowd moshing and chanting "Chugga chugga chugga" will no doubt go down brilliantly. Chuck in an iconic music video, and your left wondering why these guys aren't bigger than they are.

Music video for "Thrashional Rail" [cred. Bangover]

Perfectly titled "Death Shed" sees vocalist Andreas Morelli mimic Tom Araya with a shrieking scream. As the title suggests, the track then spends the next four minutes talking about a shed (and brilliantly so). It borders on more proggier territory towards the end, melodic lead guitar playing over chugs and ride hits.

"Tannhauser Gate" sees Bangover take a more technical approach, allowing the instruments to do the talking, delivering what is probably the most musically interesting track on the record. A short spoken word section adds variety to what is an otherwise instrumental track, and there is a distinct Middle Eastern sound to the lead guitar part towards the end. It offers a brief respite from the relentlessness, before coming back in full force with the closing title track.

The entire album is roughly 35 minutes of relentless thrash, blending chaos and intensity to pack a powerful punch fueled by heavy riffage and shouting vocals. There is plenty here on offer to whet the appetite of old school thrash fans whilst still maintaining a fresh sound.

[photo: Bangover]

Where pioneering bands have moved to more arena rock soundscapes, there are plenty of newer, fresher bands waving the thrash flag for a modern audience. Bangover are absolutely one of those bands.

This album marks a significant milestone for the band - it will no doubt see them continue to rise the ranks of UK thrash.

'Hibernation Devastation' is out NOW on streaming services