Ghoul - Dungeon Bastards

Musically, Ghoul are nowhere near Nu-Metal - - or even the '90s. These guys are focused on an energetic, good-time approach to bonehead proto-Thrash (not a put-down), drawing from S.O.D., D.R.I., Exodus, Nuclear Assault, and classic Anthrax, determined to inflict blunt force trauma with brass-knuckle power chords. The overall Ghoul package is steeped in the trappings of slasher horror films; what lyrics can be discerned and gleaned from the vocals and song titles are gloriously trashy, reveling in blood-spattered violence and obnoxious rabble mischief. Another Ghoul parallel to match both the slasher genre and the shade of Thrash that they purvey is the sense of fun amidst the brutality. The material is in-your -face and unafraid to go gruesome, but also never takes itself too seriously.

I've never been a fan of burping lead vocal sound in Metal, which downgrades a few of the songs for me. Fortunately, there are also some snarled, almost spoken leads. The backing vocals from the rest of the band are classic throwbacks to 80s Thrash, hearkening to "Among the Living" Anthrax or "How Will I Laugh Tomorrow..." Suicidal Tendencies. These breaks from the guttural are welcome. Dismiss Ghoul as a 2-bit gimmick at your peril. The simplicity of their approach is not a failing point for them, as it has been for countless low-level thrashers who've come and gone before them. As musicians with original songs, their technicality and craftsmanship are actually pretty impressive, even if they're mostly using crude materials.

If you have any taste for classic Thrash, then put a sack over your head and take a trip through the Creepsylvania mosh pit. Just check your brain, lest it get smashed with a spiked baseball bat.