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ATOMIC WARDEAD
Who’s Through The Ages… EP

Self-released (2026)
Rating: 7/10

I don’t understand the album title, but this is the new EP from Czechia thrashers Atomic Wardead who announced themselves onto the scene in 2024 with their debut full-length Beware The Dead. The Prague-based band consists of Marian Fila (vocals and guitar), Dan Špatz (vocals and guitar), František Novotný (bass) and Ondřej Somol (drums).

Now, the most impactful statement I can make regarding this EP is that this is the kind of composition many Megadeth fans wanted from Dave Mustaine when he announced the end of his legendary band. Who’s Through The Ages… sounds like 80s Megadeth, and while it may not be original it’s very good.

Beginning with an acoustic intro, the quartet then strikes with the steady groove of ‘Doomsday Of A Witch’ and I’m immediately transported back to the 80s. Right from the vocal sneer to the mid-paced menace this is Megadeth circa their classic albums Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying? (1986) and So Far, So Good… So What! (1988). Yes, this is mimicry – it doesn’t hide that fact – but it’s enjoyable as every rumbling note and chord shift conjures those familiar spirits.

However, it’s not all Megadeth homage. ‘Fueled By Hate’ is Voivod inspired, a skittish slice of tech-thrash reminding me of the Canadian’s classic Killing Technology era. The vocals have a sarcastic smirk similar to Voivod’s Snake and the bass lines undulate between the snarling axe and prodding drums. As the pace picks up a pinch of punkiness emerges alongside a crossover attitude.

The Voivod flavours continue to engage with ‘Megalania’ and the mid-paced chugs of ‘Between The Tendons And The Veins’, although the vocals appear more as a narration which coats the jarring axe work. The title track reverts back to the scowling Megadeth homage, the vocals really in Mustaine mode on what is probably the fastest cut on the EP.

The six-track affair finishes with a cover of Finnish experimental band Waltari’s ‘10 Reasons Why Not To Hate Me’. It highlights a melodious versatility from the band, but seems a touch ill-fitting to what is essentially a mix of Megadeth and Voivod for retro metal mongers.

Neil Arnold

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