Thrash has never been known for its experimentation. Having had a resurgence in recent years many a band have sprouted only to imitate the classics of the bygone era. By no means meaning these bands are redundant, with most releasing material that is more apparent than ever but there comes a time when looking back is not enough. Enter the deranged world of our Lost Society.

[tracklist]

1. The Antidote
2. Riot
3. Mad Torture
4. Hollow Eyes
5. Rage Me Up
6. Hangover Activator
7. Only (My) Death Is Certain
8. P.S.T 88
   [/tracklist]

   [details]
   [length]40:00[/length]
   [record_label]Nuclear Blast[/record_label]
   [release_date]12th February 2016 [/release_date]
   [/details]

   Opting to go against the grain album opener starts with slow moving “The Antidote” an unorthodox choice to say the least. Often aiming to kickstart an album in the most frenetic way possible thrash doesn’t leave room for much difference. The first track perhaps misrepresents the band, owing to it’s speed brings to mind more of the likes of Hardcore acts similar to Life of Agony, particularly with the clean sung chorus. Skeptical about proceeding “Riot” brings the classic lyrical theme of revolt into the fore. Ultimately sounding similar to material that has been released years prior, simplistic lyrics are memorable yet give a sense of lacking creativity.

   Potentially writing off the band immediately deeming they seem identikit to many others in the genre, the arrival of “Only (My) Death Is Certain” see’s redemption. Interesting lead work put in for our drawn out introduction before subtly moving into an airtight verse. Structurally fluctuating throughout it’s lengthy eight minute tag the song deters boredom. All too often particularly in this day and age length is used as a selling point, making a band to appear progressive when much of it is filler. Each section works when needed to particularly with the juxtaposition of Pantera cover “P.S.T. 88” as a final little Easter egg.

   All out aggressor “Rage Me Up” brings to mind crossover thrash, also showcasing our singer’s fairly adaptable vocal range somewhat of a foreign idea particularly in Thrash! Revealing a deadly bridge complete with some fantastic sounding pinch harmonics the song slows as it reaches its end before kicking things back up a gear for final flurry of speed. Yet another staple in the Thrash Metal lyric book alcohol is of course in some way involved. “Hangover Activator” brings the classic Thrash energy back up with pounding double bass to match the average thrashers drinking speed.

   The clangy introduction of “Hollow Eyes” sees a brilliant, well written track track emerge but is it enough? Ultimately Lost Society have not reinvented the wheel of Thrash Metal. Though Braindead does contain some stand out sections in the latter half of the album coupled with some great lead work, the overall feel of the record is marred by the more forgetful first tracks. That being said the band have the potential to deliver calculated, accurate, material this time the band don’t completely miss the mark but it’s neither a full house. 

   [verdict]Maybe[/verdict]
   [why]Lost Society may not quite have the hallmarks of a classic Thrash band in the making but their brand new effort Braindead will leave Thrash fans satisfied but not quite blown away.[/why]