The Enforcer EP is the latest release from Long Island hardcore thrash band This Is Hell. The 11 minute four track EP comes two years after their Black Mass album.
Opening track Flag of the Serpent is a musical number clocking in at just over a minute and it does a good job of showcasing just how much potential the band have to offer early on. The thrashy feel to it shows that the band is capable of good things, harking back to the 80’s thrash style of play and conjuring images of early Maiden or Anthrax.
Track two, The Enforcer, may not have been the ideal track to follow on, as while it shows much of what the band are about, it seems to lack that something to make it stand out from the scene, almost having that vague ‘haven’t I heard this before?’ feel about it, which to fans may not be an issue, but to someone looking to check out something new, you may want to skip to the next track to get a true feel of what the band can offer. Having said that, the track is strong and doesn’t let itself slip anywhere, but merely seems like a warm up to what the EP has to show.
Track three, Walking Abominations, picks up where the second track left off, only now do we get to see a bit more of the band that has toured with Cancer Bats and Glassjaw. It still maintains that hardcore trash element to it but seems to be showcasing a little edge over some of the Black Mass tracks, the kind of progression you’d hope since the last release. It’s the longest track on the EP so you’d be hoping for those sparks to keep you listening, which in all it achieves and the bands personality begins to shine though.
Whiplash closes out the EP and it’s now that we’re getting to see a faster, more up-tempo side. Musically the track is right on point, fast, aggressive and catchy, everything you’d expect from a good thrash track. However, there is also a time and a place for a guitar solo, and while the first half of it fits well, the second half just comes across as overdoing it and as a result not allowing itself to be taken seriously. Despite this minor (in my opinion) fault, the track is the strongest and worthy of special mention.
The Enforcer does throughout show moments of progression and maturity over This Is Hells’ previous releases and it is easy to see why they have such a strong following. It is a worthwhile purchase for those fans who want a taste of what’s to come on the next album, or those who just want something to blast out of the speakers.
