Squealer
Insanity

The squealing Germans return for a new album, this time fans didn’t have to wait for as long as between the previous album and its predecessor. It is a band that has been around for quite a while now, ever since the eighties. During this time they have managed some ten albums and to become very important German thrash metal band. Since the latest album, one that I was fairly positive about, the band has grown in personell and they have some fine guest performers on the album. Grapow mixes and masters this album, that is the same as the previous and Ito Grabosch also returns for the recording technicalities. That is all fine, perhaps they should have allowed the artist to return for an interesting artwork instead, I don’t think band photos are good for thrash album covers.

Musically it is melodic thrash metal, with power metal touches with many catchy choruses and vocals stylings like that in parts. The vocals are overall not as aggressive as some thrash, but the album is quite powerful, and it has a massive yet melodic sound. And the album is quite varied for the genre as well and they keep the playing time sensible, but we don’t get much in terms of innovative thinking or new ideas – the one familiar with the previous album Behind Closed Doors will find this album very similar, and that might be good considering that it was a good album. The sound is strong with room for both the melodies and the power, not many of the thrash metal albums have such a distinctive and strong production – it should be easy to like.

I like this album; it has good songs like the catchy Salvation and the ending Black Rain with some strong guest artists. There is a high likelihood that those who have enjoyed Squealer in the past will find this one to be enjoyable, the downside is the lack of originality and memorability. Just to enjoy an album you might not need those things but without longevity you tend to forget about the albums, and I think this one is like the previous album – enjoyable for a while but then it is a bit forgotten and never played again. This happens quite often with albums I review; they are good for a while but then they aren’t ever played again.

You should have a closer look at this album if you enjoy the melodic thrash metal, or the albums Squealer have put together in the past. I don’t think there will be many disappointed buyers, although there are probably not that many overjoyed ones either. In the end I think Squealer delivers what you can expect, a strong and solid thrash metal album.

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