Havok

Here, way above-average (don't-call-them-retro) thrashers Havok toss off a stopgap EP to keep the thrashing heads thrashing, with two new songs and two covers. And while I called a ban on Slayer covers a while back, not listening to any for the past few years has helped make this version of "Postmortem/Raining Blood" quite enjoyable. Havok's take on Sepultura's mighty "Arise" proves two things: it's an amazing, timeless metal classic and we all need to listen to the original more often. Havok have got some big balls for taking on such huge metal anthems (although mimicking Max's accent might not be the best idea). The two new songs that open this EP prove that these guys are way top tier for modern thrash, the ultra-clicky bass drums being the only distraction from the killer Nuclear Assault-meets-Anthrax tunes. The EP is rounded off with a couple videos, making for a fun little release, one that will keep longhairs excited for the next full-length.