MADZILLA
MADZILLA “A Deadly Threat”
By Dr. Abner Mality
There is a certain type of metal that hovers between thrash and classically inclined bands like JUDAS PRIEST and DIO. METAL CHURCH is a good example of such a “borderline” band. Now we have MADZILLA from Sin City itself, Las Vegas. They label themselves thrash, but if you’re looking for throat-cutting stuff like prime SLAYER or DESTRUCTION, this isn’t it. They are able to play with speed, but melody is always primary. Think of the more recent releases from METALLICA and MEGADETH and you’d be in the ballpark.
“A Deadly Threat” is my first encounter with them and it can sometimes be a frustrating release. I think there’s a need for the more melodic kind of thrash and MADZILLA can play that game, they have the tools. But it hasn’t come together for a total package yet. The balladic intro “Beginning of the End” shows they’ve listened to every METALLICA ballad for sure, but things kick more into gear with the title track. This has got some good hard chug to go with its melody and can hit the gas hard. We get introduced to the lead vocals of David Cabezas, which are a kind of nasal croon. They are adequate but need more spice and anger. A kind of death growl can be heard in the background, which is a direction I don’t think they should be going in.
They’re at their best with straightforward power numbers like “Forevermore” and “Blood That Remains”. A peculiarity here is that there are two tracks that sound like they should have vocals, but which are instrumentals. “Despair” and “Ashes Prevail” are two hard and heavy ass-kickers, but are structured in such a way that it sounds like there should be vocals. Enjoyable, nonetheless. Where the band needs help is on the ballad-leaning cuts, like “Warfare Within” and the wholly acoustic “Silent Assassin”. The former is pretty average while the latter is just superfluous. “A Thread of Sanity” shows promise with an almost QUEENSRYCHE kind of progressive feel.
These guys have only been around since 2018 so they are still feeling their way around and learning who they are. I think there’s a lot of promise here, but some work needs to be done. Fans of 21st century METALLICA and MEGADETH should enjoy this the most.