RSS Feed


NERVE AGENT
Game Of Death EP

Self-released (2024)
Rating: 8/10

Game Of Death is the debut EP from Birmingham, England-based thrashers Nerve Agent, a new band on the block with a line-up of Dan W (vocals), Sam D and Sam T (guitars), Alfie C (bass) and Dan M (drums).

There’s a strong crossover vibe to this violent seven-track release that comes armed with some seriously heavy chugging, some of which reminds me of Anthrax although the sound here is rawer. The opening riffs dig straight in before the combo smashes into the high speed attack of ‘Government Issued Violence’. It’s fast, aggressive, confrontational and politically driven as the lyrics are delivered with such punch.

Nerve Agent pummel like a hardcore-cum-thrash act protesting to wake up the nation with their bruising retorts. ‘State Control’ begins with a brooding before the violence kicks in; it’s the sort of rampant conflict that was musically rife in the 80s, whether it was Cro-mags, Agnostic Front or a flurry of UK hardcore acts.

The songs here are snappy, edgy and in your face. ‘Corporate Punishment’ begins like classic Slayer as Alfie’s ruthless bass strikes with savagery, but again there is that ever present streetwise potency which threads its way into the title track before the juddering jolts of ‘Tax Exemption’ come into play. The mix of speed and bone snapping chugging is wondrous, sometimes reminiscent of Unforeseen with those thrashy, chunky textures and muscular chops.

The EP, due to its metallic and robust edginess, feels a lot longer than nineteen minutes, and that’s a positive because this is such an engaging and enjoyable release.

Neil Arnold

<< Back to Album & EP Reviews



Related Posts via Categories
Share