W.M.D.

W.M.D.     “Against All Warnings”

By Theron Moore

W.M.D., aka, ‘When Minds Develop,’ just dropped a ten ton record on us all June 5 titled, “Against All Warnings”. Damn, so that’s what that huge noise was? I thought the military was testing missiles nearby.  And for the record that’s not a big stretch of the imagination regarding where I live. I know, it’s complicated, you don’t want to know.

Let’s get up to speed, shall we? Formed in Calgary, Alberta, W.M.D. (When Minds Develop) has built its reputation on an aggressive brand of thrash metal defined by speed, precision, and intensity. Now based in Vancouver, British Columbia, the band has entered a new chapter with a revamped lineup that combines seasoned talent from the local metal scene with the vision of its founding member.

The current incarnation features Jon Power (MVLGRAVE, HETEROMORPHIC ZOO, OVER THE COALS, AGGRESSION) on bass and Ryan Idris (AGGRESSION, HEATHEN, EXPAIN) behind the drum kit, joining original guitarist and vocalist Skyler Mills, who continues to steer the band's creative direction. Together, the trio is forging ahead with renewed energy while remaining true to the relentless thrash sound that established W.M.D. in the first place.

But does "Against All Warnings" rock? I mean, that’s why you’re reading this review, to find out if it’s thrash or trash, right? The short answer is, W.M.D. will tear the skin off your face if you’re not careful listening to this album. As I write this review I’m on track four and I’m still getting my ass kicked, and I’m loving it!

Great disc. Pure thrash, speed, and 150% attitude. There’s a solid 80’s / 90’s throwback vibe to the sound and aggression to W.M.D’s music but trust me, it’s anything BUT cut and paste, and it’s not vibing on nostalgia, it’s redefining what thrash and speed should sound like today. W.M.D. have just set the bar super high for other bands to reach. This band is the real deal. 

Right now, I’ d list my favorite songs from this record, but the truth is, the whole record rules. “Against All Warnings” is a demonstration of elite musicianship, outstanding songwriting, and a mastery of the speed/thrash genre. It’s exemplary in every aspect of what I expect from metal. If MEGADETH is really retiring, W.M.D are the next logical heirs to their throne. Buy “Against All Warnings” you won’t regret it. It’s earned its place in your record collection in between MEGADETH and NUCLEAR ASSAULT. “Against All Warnings” IS ‘state of the art speed metal.’

4/5 Stars

W.M.D.