Review of Deceiver - Self Titled

There is old school thrash, and then there is really old school thrash.
Fans have plenty of late 80’s style thrash albums to choose from, between new stuff from the original bands themselves or from a crop of younger acts who build from the shoulders of the originals. But Deceiver look even further backwards and have set out to make you bang your head like it’s 1983, by paying tribute to early metal idols like Motorhead, Mercyful Fate, Venom, Metallica, and Judas Priest. The combination results in an authentic thrash and roll that serves as worthy a tribute.

Deceiver, which includes some ex-Maze of Torment members, was only formed about a year ago, but the band got off to a fast start with this M-CD recorded at The Abyss by Tommy Tagtgren, and they are currently recording a full length album slated for a March release. The five songs on this debut are full throttle, no frills metal. If you’re looking for innovation please look elsewhere, as Deceiver’s sound is familiar and comfortable. The band combines the churning locomotive snarl of Motorhead and some NWOBHM guitar work, and then infuses it with European underground attitude and the speedy riffing of early thrash albums like Killing Is My Business and Kill Em All. The best of the five songs is the opener, “Deceiver”, which is a full tilt snarling romp of power chords and pull offs. The riffs are fairly predictable, but enjoyable nonetheless. “Ironsweet” features some Diamond Head-styled riffing that gives the song a stronger NWOBHM flavor. “Cold Sweat, Shaking Bones” opens with a text book Motorhead groove, and also includes some very Maiden-like guitar and bass harmonized licks. The set is rounded out by “Blessed With a Lust For Blood”. and the somewhat weaker “Hey Woman” .

If this had come out in 1983, I would have been all over it. However, I’m a little less excited about it today. If you're an old school fan, there is little chance you will dislike Deceiver, but it's far from required listening material. It’s a fun and very listenable album, and has some quality headbanging moments, but doesn’t quite elicit the “fuck yeah!” response. This is a solid debut from a very young band showing promise, and I think that given more time to develop, they will get even better.

Release Details

Deceiver

Self Titled

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