Lost Society

Disengaged youth should take note of Finland's Lost Society, who have definitely found their way in the world of extreme metal with their fresh faces and raw energy. The group from Jyväskylä feature four smart, technical, skilled and unapologetic metalheads, ranging in age from 17 to 19, with Reebok Classics tied tight and leather jackets unzipped. Their '80s Bay Area/Big Four style is reflected in their sound, as Lost Society rip and shred on every track with precision and a relentless pace that are as infectious as hell. "Thrash All Over You" gets a little too close to elements of Kill 'Em All; it's a borderline rip-off. However, Lost Society are safe on "Bitch Out My Way," a wicked track that rips relentlessly through each verse. Vocalist Samy Elbanna's confidence shines on "Lead Through The Head," while bass lines, à la Iron Maiden, are audible on "Diary of a Thrashman." Songs like "This Is Me" and "Braindead Metalhead" are autobiographical clichés, yet the musicality of each grooves throughout to provide clear, composed soloing that hits all the right notes. The production is quite flattering for a debut release, but it sure is far from what you'd hear on the gritty demo tapes of their thrash progenitors. You have to hand it to these kids for being able to pursue their craft on stage, rather than slaving away in the classroom. Sure, they sound more like a garage band than a cutting-edge bunch, but what were you doing when you were in high school?