STRIDENT March of Plague CD

Hailing from Israel, Strident delivers a lethal dose of high-energy Old School Thrash Metal with their album March of Plague, released via the Italian specialist label Punishment 18 Records. This record is a definitive statement of intent, showcasing a band that has mastered the aggressive, neck-snapping style that defined the 1980s Bay Area and German scenes, while injecting it with their own modern intensity. March of Plague is an unrelenting barrage of razor-sharp riffs, galloping rhythms, and precise, battering percussion. The songwriting is remarkably tight, focusing on social unrest, war, and the darker side of human history. The vocal delivery is a classic thrash grit—angry and rhythmic—perfectly complementing the high-speed assault of tracks like "The Last Stand" and "March of Plague." What sets this album apart is the band's ability to maintain a sense of melody and structure even at blistering speeds, ensuring that every track remains memorable and headbang-inducing. The production, courtesy of the Punishment 18 roster's high standards, is punchy and clear, allowing the technicality of the dual-guitar work to shine through the chaos. For fans of Exodus, Kreator, and Destruction, this CD is a mandatory acquisition. It is a powerful reminder that Thrash Metal is a global language of rebellion, and Strident are among its most fierce and capable modern practitioners.