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ACCUSER
Taste Of Steel EP

Self-released (2026)
Rating: 7.5/10

I really don’t understand it when new bands take the moniker of a well-established band. In this instance it’s Arlington, Texas-based thrashers Accuser. Surely, when this combo came up with their band name they knew of veteran German act Accu§er? Or maybe the Texan quintet had been living under a rock? Anyway, Taste Of Steel is their debut release, a four-song EP from the line-up of vocalist Alfredo Sanchez, axe men Isaiah Baxter and Thomas Norman, bass player Adam Crim, and drummer Philip Norman.

To its credit, this is a very good EP, and one which reeks of 1986 nostalgia, particularly in the searing hot speed metal riffs and the dynamic vocals which veer towards angry U.S. power metal too. There’s plenty of zip in the guitar department and a hefty amount of wallop in the percussion, especially with my favourite song ‘Destructive Forces’. Hints of Overkill merge with the aforementioned U.S. power metal and the lesser known Atlanta, Georgia-based act Kinetic Dissent.

There’s a genuine richness about the EP as opening song ‘Heart Attack’ adds a slice of Teutonic fury to its pace. Sanchez spews a Tom Araya (Slayer) styled high pitch scream amidst the barrage of drums and a D.R.I. choppiness, circa 1988. It really is good throwback speed metal. Sure, back in the day there were hordes of similar acts producing similarly designed hostility, but Accuser knows how to relay its potent message.

‘The Conqueror’ sounds like a speeded up New Wave Of British Heavy Metal cut as Sanchez burps “I have the power, I hold the might… I am the heir to the throne of the king” over a scintillating dose of aggressive riffage. Now, some of the more knowledgeable metalheads out there may recall that a few years ago an unidentified song (possibly entitled ‘The Fallen King’ or ‘Fall Of The King’, or something similar) from the 80s caused quite a stir online. As far as I’m aware the artist remains unknown, but if Accuser weren’t a new band then I’d say they were responsible for the cult gem. The fact these guys have so seamlessly tapped into that era is testament to their talent and chemistry.

There are a multitude of bands attempting to sound old and retro although only a few have pulled it off, but as ‘Operation Decapitation’ rounds off this EP I’m left applauding its charm and energy. I’d still consider a change of band name guys, something more original and apt for what is essentially a thrash gem.

Neil Arnold

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