Evile | The Unknown Review

Brace Yourselves for Evile’s The Unknown: A Thrash Odyssey From Hell

by Griff Stevens

Hold on to your skull caps, metalheads, because we’re plunging headfirst into the churning, riff-riddled vortex that is The Unknown, the latest album by British thrashers Evile. Strap in as we embark on a thunderous journey into a darker, heavier, and decidedly more melodic dimension of thrash metal.

From the moment the title track, “The Unknown,” breathes its first haunting chords, we’re hurled into a realm where heavy isn’t just a term; it’s the law of the land. This isn’t your typical thrash fare of fast, relentless riffage. Oh no, Evile has evolved, harnessing the primal energy of their earlier thrash DNA and blending it with a more measured, doomy groove.

Lead vocalist Ol Drake’s delivery ranges from the grimly melodic to the ferociously guttural, never shying away from unleashing his full range to compliment the varying tempos and moods. Tracks like “The Mask We Wear” and “Monolith” are examples of this, with their ominous undercurrents and bone-crunching, stomp-laden riffs.

With “When Mortal Coils Shed,” they delve into a realm of somber introspection without sacrificing an ounce of their intrinsic heavy identity. And for the thrash purists, fear not! “Sleepless Eyes” and “Out Of Sight” are scorching reminders of the band’s roots, ripping through the air with savagely euphoric energy.

It’s not just about the speed and the riffs, though. Beneath the surface, there’s a newfound depth to their lyricism, tackling themes ranging from personal struggles to societal reflections, demonstrating a maturity just as potent as their musical talent.

The album’s second half kicks into high gear with tracks like “Reap What You Sow” and “Beginning Of The End,” proving that even with their probing approach, they still know how to create a head-banging thrash number. And closing the album with “Balance Of Time,” Evile takes us on a full-circle journey back to their roots while retaining a forward-looking perspective.

In conclusion, The Unknown is a sonic behemoth, brimming with inventive musicality, darker tonalities, and an underlying rawness that’s quintessentially Evile. The thrash metal stalwarts have evolved, maturing like a barrel of fiery whiskey, losing none of their potency but gaining depth and complexity while it still burns. Evile has taken a bold leap into The Unknown, and it’s a thrilling leap indeed. Get your devil horns up, crew; this is gonna be one epic pit!