What's well done is extremely well done on Revocation's 2016 release "Great is Our Sin". Changing time signatures, virtuoso performances on bass, drums, and all guitars, strikingly compelling interludes, and gloriously kinetic riffs. For the album's best moments, it's smart Thrash done at highest proficiency, in the vein of Children of Bodom, Testament, Friedman-era Megadeth, Sepultura, Nevermore, and some In Flames. I'd also draw a line to Trials, contemporaries out of Chicago.

One my first listen, there were a number of times when I stopped to check my music player to see which track was playing. That's rare, and it's a good sign. When the material is working, the music refuses to sit still, or to just establish a rut and churn away in it for the allotted 4-8 minutes per song. They instead explore with a restless adventurousness, pursuing branches full of intrigue and polished experimentation. These indulgences are not ego-strokes, but rather great enhancements to the trunk material.

If there's an Achilles' Heel, it would be the vocals. Singer/yeller (and guitarist) Dave Davidson reveals himself to have some tonal ability, but spends the majority of his time on mic with throat-rending, guttural shouts. Shame. Because of this, his voice just seems to placehold the vocal track, rather than provide improvement or soul. The detriment is minor, though, and comes nowhere near being a fatal flaw; few in the Metal community will be turned off. The outsider converts they might have otherwise reached, however, will not get past the vocals.

Anyway - - yes, heavy and abrasive as it is, the musicality is that good, that I believe in its best moments' almost-potential for a broader appeal. There are some offsetting, mediocre, run-of-the-mill songs too, especially in the latter sections of the album, but none of that can detract from the exultant highs on "Great is Our Sin." Wade out and find them. Recommended for anyone who appreciates visceral, ambitious, intricate Thrash. Obey tracks 5: ‘Communion’ and 6: ‘The Exaltation’ (the latter featuring a killer lead from Marty Friedman).