For a lot of folks these days, it seems that "new" and "thrash" are two words that just don't go well together. The New Wave of the past few years has brought about seemingly hundreds of bands trying their damnedest to emulate that '80s sound. It's one thing to pay homage to your old school favorites; but when you wear your influences so prominently on your sleeve, there's always the risk of sounding like a straight rip-off rather than a respectable throwback. And sometimes the attempt is just plain bad. While this pitfall has claimed more than a few up and comers, Montreal's Alcoholator don’t appear to be among those afflicted. And with their first full-length, Coma, the Canadians have put together a fun and nostalgic speed trip that references many old school favorites.
The dudes get your attention right away with a short instrumental introduction to the album titled "Intoxication 101." While I don't find much use for instrumentals in this style, the song is a good primer of what's to come. I was immediately reminded of older Toxic Holocaust but with a fiercer attack and more intensity. Up next is "Alcoholator," the shortest song of the album, clocking in 2'37". It's a straight speed metal assault that gets right to the point with some catchy riffs and gang shouts that sets the mood for a beer guzzling good time. Lead singer and guitarist Matt Butcher's throaty shrieks are right at home here and help pull together the old school touches. Songs like "Catastrophic Violence" turn the speed dial down a notch, starting off with a slow Grave-sounding groove before turning the heat back on with a section that should have everyone in earshot circle pitting. Rather than going back and repeating the same riff over and over, the song continues to evolve from there. And it's that kind of memorable songwriting that keeps this album fresh after multiple listens. It's the same kind of songwriting that makes Agent Orange or Bonded by Blood kick just as much ass today as the first time you ever heard them.
Alcoholator's brand is a strong familiar sound that stands out among other New Wave thrash bands. Both the music and production of Coma stay fairly true to the days of old. In an age where so many records (especially new ones in this genre) are just too clean and neat, these Canadians keep it simple. The lack of overprocessing gives the album a great sound that's both raw and sharp but also very clear. Guitars have that perfect crunch that cuts right through and the bass has a nice thick presence that fills it out well. And Alcoholator's drummer does his part too, keeping things interesting with lots of fills and speed changes that carry the songs well.
One look at these guys and some of the song titles and you know what they're about... beer, partying, and a general desire to drink yourself into oblivion. Yeah, Alcoholator definitely likes to have a good time, but they also bring a seriousness and focus to their sound that a lot of 'nu-thrash' bands seem to overlook. Songs like “Abduction” and “The Chamber” are perfect examples, chock-full of blazing riffs and competent leads.
So while Coma might not be the second coming of thrash Jesus, it’s certainly more than a paint by numbers effort. Instead this debut is a fun, fast and furious trek through the thrash of yesteryear. So before you go straight to the Municipal Waste on your next drinking binge with buddies, try the Alcoholator first. You'll like what you hear.
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