After a pair of indie releases, this is the first chance at the “big time” for yet another clan of young American (Denver based) neo-thrashers. Rather than a pure Bay Area metal approach, there’s a good bit of cross-over (punk, for those of you under 20) within the simplistic widling guitar runs. Ultimately the whole project has the feel of a decently produced demo, Havok apparently unaware you need songs to string together solos, impressive as ones like “Identity Theft” contain. Doubtful this would have received more than a cursory listen in the Candlelight offices if Thrash weren’t hot again (“Cool, but sounds a little dated. We’ll pass.”) If the boys want to learn a thing or two, might check out labelmates Blood Tsunami (despite goofy moniker).

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Reviewed By: Rich Catino

Rating: 6/10

I think what gives Havok their charm is this east coast thrash metal vibe in the spirit of “Feel The Fire” from Jersey boys Overkill, and Anthrax’s debut “Fistful of Metal” (‘Path To Nowhere’). Its something in the way Havok’s riffs open each song, and mixing the thrash with a dose of straight forward punk (think D.R.I with S.O.D.’s attitude). 

A LOT of German thrash legends Destruction is in the vocal sneer (especially on ‘Scabs of Trust’, ‘The Root Of Evil’) and the often tempo/riff/ time changes.   I also like how the boys in Havok throw in the Iron Maiden twin guitar harmonies.  It works. 

The voice could have either more personality or attitude, the music has potential.  Havoc are not one of my favorites from the thrash resurgence but I wouldn’t kick em out of bed.  Cover artwork is also pretty cool.