Band: Fueled by Fire Album: Spread the Fire Label: Metal Blade Rating: 8.5/10 Website: http://www.myspace.com /fueledbyfire BUY NOW!

Over the last couple years, Fueled by Fire has been incinerating stages with their authentic brand of California thrash metal. The southern California band first took the world by storm with their first appearance at the legendary Hollywood club, The Whiskey. This performance caught the attention of none other than Brian Slagel - owner and founder of Metal Blade Records. After witnessing the band open for Hirax and Hallows Eve, Slagel felt compelled to sign the band, which leads us to their Metal Blade debut "Spread the Fire". Considering Slagel started Metal Blade during the onset of thrash, it is easy to say why he scooped up this group. There has been a recent resurgence of thrash, especially the crossover style, but none have released an album bearing a sound as close to thrash's heyday as FBF. Part of this authenticity comes from the raw production. It serves as a basis for creating a heavy sound, yet in no why does it blanket any of the instruments. It doesn't have the sterile production values associated with mainstream CDs; instead, this album recalls the unrefined traits of a cassette tape. Their style also harkens back to the legendary thrash artists in their prime. FBF's influences pop up here and there, but the band stays away from full-on mimicry. The chorus vocals of "Thrash is Back" move in a similar motion to Kreator's "Total Death". After a savage assault of chugging speed picking, the chorus on "Striking Down" slows into the same kind of groove and sing-along chorus found on "State of Euphoria" by Anthrax. Gio and Rick's guitar playing in general brings to mind the powerful riffing of early Exodus, most notable the "Bonded by Blood" period. Even though the four-piece rarely halts its speed, the occasional twin guitar harmonies surface on tracks like the title song. It also should be noted that "Spread the Fire" does not only rely on the swift reflexes of balls out thrash, tracks like "Betrayal" show their affinity for classic metal like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Exciter. While singer Gio possesses a voice consistent with this style of music, it is difficult to identify any singer's influence, yet blends traits of many such as Kurt Brecht of D.R.I. and Tom Araya of Slayer. The Araya influence comes out during his short, shrill screams. "Spread the Fire" will take listeners back to the days when labels like Combat and Megaforce treated the world to music unparallel in attitude, speed, and overall heaviness. Those who can't refrain from a good head banging every time they get a good dose of speed metal, should invest in a good muscle rub before buying "Spread the Fire". Darren Cowan Back to Reviews