Company: Cruz Del Sur Release: 2016 Genre: Thrash Reviewer: Eric Compton
A speedy frolic through a familiar park
Markus "Ulle" Ullrich (Lanfear/Them) met Markus Becker (Atlantean Kodex) in 2013 and they conceived the idea of Septagon, a technically aggressive thrash metal band that pays tribute to 80s titans like Exodus, Testament and Forbidden. While the album is a speedy frolic through a familiar park, the vocals are squeaky clean which is somewhat unique for this sort of retro-thrash branding. Cuts like 'Ripper' does quite a bit more with the slower pace and shows off some diversity and complexity without burning up the strings. Title track 'Deadhead Syndicate' is permeated with faster melodies and double-bass with an abstract chorus that recalls Annihilator and Watchtower. Props to the atmospheric 'Henchman of Darkness' and its placement right in the middle of the album. Brilliant. The album cover was painted by the talented Markus Vesper (Attic, Gallows Pole, Chastain).