One Man Army and the Undead Quartet – “21st Century Killing Machine”

There isn’t a whole lot to say about One Man Army and the Undead Quartet, except for them being one of the best fucking thrash metal bands I have ever heard. Hailing from the great Sweden, it’s no wonder why these guys are so good (Sweden seems to come out with ‘all’ the good bands). Consisting of Johan Lind Strand (Vocals), Mikael Lagerblad (Lead Guitar), Pekka Kamiah (Rhythm Guitar), Robert Axelsson (Bass), and Marek Dobrowolski (Drums), these guys have been altering the direction of the dying thrash metal, reviving the genre to its former glory.

First up on the album is “Killing Machine.” At first when the track began, it seemed a little bit quiet, and I was curious if the recording was gonna be any good. But I was mistaken. Once it gets past the first ten seconds or so, the volume is cranked way up, leaving a freakin’ hole in anybody’s ear drums. Johan’s vocals blend in nicely with the playing style, proving that he suit’s the role of vocalist for such a great thrash metal band.

“No Apparent Motive” is fourth on the disc. With a combination of fast picking, one-note riffs, and power chords, this track is one of the best on the album. The solo also kicks ass in this song. Mikael’s picking is unbelievably fast, but in correct scale. Pekka’s rhythm riff during the solo was one of the best riffs I heard in the track; it was dark, and chilled me right down to the bone.

Ninth on the album is “Branded By Iron.” Even just thinking of being branded by iron hurts like a bitch, so you can imagine how brutal this song must be. The track is a mosh pit worthy song. It’s one of those tracks that when you want to get pumped for something just skip right through to it and press play. At one point in the song the distortion gets turned off for a moment, bringing forth a sense that only heightens the dread within the song. Because you know it’s just around the corner, making you hang onto the edge of dear life.

To conclude this masterpiece, I would have to say that I would be honoured to see this band play live. With the energy this group puts into an album, I can’t even imagine how much force they must put out during a live show. I give this album an 8.6/10.  [ END ]

Track Listing:

01. Killing Machine
02. Devil on the Red Carpet
03. Public Enemy No. 1
04. No Apparent Motive
05. Hell is For Heroes
06. When Hatred Comes to Life
07. So Grim So True So Real
08. Behind The Church
09. Branded by Iron
10. Bulldozer Frenzy

Run Time: 46:43
Release Date: 2006