Despite releasing a pair of albums with a cult following — Socialized Hate (1988) and Violent By Nature (1990) — Arizona’s ATROPHY was, until now, new to me. With one spin of the band’s latest album, Asylum (Massacre Records) I was all in. As a new listener, you’d never know that this is the band’s first offering in 34 years because the material sounds fresh and vibrant!
When it comes to thrash metal, I want to feel the energy, the riffs, and the venom in the vocals. Atrophy brings it, believe you me. Plus, there is no godawful “intro” on this record — an overused habit that I truly hate — they just come in and rage!
The album opens strong with “Punishment For All” followed by “High Anxiety,” two delicious entrées in a tasty metal feast. Vocalist Brian Zimmerman channels the spirit of TESTAMENT’s Chuck Billy at times and I am here for it! Meanwhile, the dual guitar attacks of Nathan Montalvo and Mark Coglan are designed to rip your head off.
“Seeds of Sorrow” is definitely an album favorite for this guy — it’s a sure-fire headbanger, without question. Additionally, “Distortion” has all the subtly of a wrecking ball coming right through your living room window!
The end result is this: I didn’t know ATROPHY before but I am all in on these guys now. If you dig thrash, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of Asylum now. Then plug in and bang that head!
STANDOUT TRACKS: “Seeds of Sorrow,” “High Anxiety,” “Distortion”
— THE MAESTRO
Album Details:
Tracklisting
- Punishment For All
- High Anxiety
- Seeds Of Sorrow
- Distortion
- Bleeding Out
- American Dream
- Close My Eyes
- The Apostle
- Five Minutes ‘Til Suicide
Lineup:
Brian Zimmerman — Vocals
Nathan Montalvo — Lead Guitar
Mark Coglan — Rhythm Guitar
Josh Gibbs — Bass Guitar
Jonas Shütz — Drums
Guest Musicians:
Kragen Lum — Lead Guitar on “American Dream”
Justin Stear — Bass Guitar on “American Dream,” “Close My Eyes,” “Distortion”
Release Date: March 15, 2024
