Band: Breakdust Album: Mutilated Earth Label: 666 Production Rating: 9.5/10 Website: http://www.breakdust.com/ BUY NOW!

It would be fair to say I think, that the French metal scene hasn’t offered too much of note in recent years. Some underground Black metal has arguably been about as good as it gets for them. With the current post-thrash craze being led by the likes of Evile and Municipal Waste, relatively unknown French band Breakdust must feel hard done to. With an immense death thrash sound, by rights they should be up there with the likes of Evile and The Waste. Their debut album, ‘Mutilated Earth’ now out on 666 Production reeks of success in years to come with malicious riffs and drumming which manages to keep to time despite often running off breakneck speeds! This 9-track magnum opus boasts a variety of different styles and sounds ranging from a classic thrash to death metal similar to bands such as Venom and Death. The opener and self titled song starts with an awesome classical sounding intro accompanied by a low buzz which gradually increases in sound until a thunder strike interrupts and we are treated to some furious hammering guitar and insane drums. The second track contains much the same and it is not until the third, ‘Whom to Believe’, that we hear some of that death metal sneak in by means of some heavy riffs with some great synchronised bass and guitar along with an illustrious solo and a deepening of the already vicious screams. Although all the songs are great, with no exception, the next song of serious acclaim is the penultimate one, ‘Bitter Prayer’. This is a five-minute instrumental where the style changes so often, it would be nigh impossible to classify! It gives the listener access to an individual skill, which as we discover…is astounding. Not all of the many solo’s on the album are fast and aggressive, this song included, but none fail to impress. The final number, ‘Visions of a Life’, yet again changes genus, this time to more of a Machine Head kind, and ends this wonderful album with class. The vocals are very dark and violent and the production is flawless, with individual instrument volumes perfect. No complaints. Overall...I am trying to think of a reason why this band doesn’t deserve 10/10...and I honestly can’t think of anything. Not just because I really like the kind of music that they play. Musically I cannot fault them, technically I cannot fault them, the production is perfect in every way…even the album art is awesome…there is just nothing wrong! Although, by giving it the magic 10, I would be claiming that this album is at least the joint best I have ever heard. That it is not, but it is up there! While I would mainly suggest this album to fans of thrash and melo-death/lighter death metal, the style is such that there is no reason why fans of any metal sub-genre cannot enjoy this work of art just as much. Nothing short of a masterpiece…all that remains is for the band to get the recognition they deserve. Lewis Klein Back to Reviews