Predator

A jumble of great tendencies pushed to the wayside by horrible ideas, Predator's eponymous debut is one of those albums that beg to be adored. However, when the vocalist screams, you can't help but cringe. Interestingly, the band's overall approach is reminiscent of Death Angel's heyday: dynamic thrash metal rich with melodies, scorching guitar solos and terrific chug riffs. Unfortunately, we all know what Flanders said about "good intentions." From a shoddy mix that buries guitars behind a hi-hat that's so sharp and imposing it sounds fake to the overuse of reverb and the aforementioned vocalist, who does a solid job when he's not reaching beyond his means, the few missteps Predator take, which aren't limitations of finance, just poor choices that detract from solid music, can be resolved to ensure their position amongst great underground thrash bands. However, if they ignore such oversights, they are bound to be instantly forgotten and might even feel mortified at this mess in a few years. Hopefully Predator will prevail to record a sophomore effort that learns from the slip-ups of this one.