Review: “Thrash Impact” by Psychoïd

Originally formed back in 2006 in Paris,  Psychoïd are a Thrash Metal quartet with influences as you might expect from the big four as well as likes of Sepultura. Their first EP entitled “Thrash Test” didn’t appear until 2016 due to line up issues but brought them some critical acclaim as they defended it on stages across France before 2018’s “Thrash Impact” saw them solidify with Thomas Cottenceau (lead guitar, vocals), Amaury Wood (drums), Rémi (bass) and Kiko Adams (guitar) seeing it vert well received and welcomed by the French and European press. The February issue of Rock Hard Magazine even placed the band in their “discovery of the month” feature. Currently on a sophomore album, the bands label Music-Records will reissue with new mixing and mastering so this review is of that release…

…Bursting to life with “Anarchy“, a riff loaded protest song that screams “f*** the system” at headbanging speed with that old school aesthetic that makes it an instant call to the pit is a great place to start on an album like this. As a track, it could fit anywhere on the album and while it does nothing new, it does it with flair and bravado. “True Chatter” launches from that platform with a early Metallica style riff while ranting against politicians in a socially aware style usually reserved for Hardcore. The solo is a Gary Holt style face melter that cuts a little bit short but does the job in fine style before the bass heavy introduction of “Live Die But Buy” roars in with the satirical approach of Dave Mustaine. It has the longer solo that we wanted from the earlier cut, which is executed to perfection with Thomas Cottenceau proving that just because you’re a vocalist you don’t have to be restricted to rhythm guitar work…

…”TV’s Grime” speaks of the addictive nature of it and how it can pollute your mind. While the lyrical theme could be considered dated with smartphones being more of an issue these days, it’s still a valid point and a fine Thrash along moment with plenty of air guitar riff moments. Increasing the complexity in the riffs of “The Old Scapegoat” and briefly stepping away from the 80’s Thrash guitar tone in the mid section to follow up with a ripper of a solo makes this one a stand out cut, even if Cottenceau’s rantings aren’t as vocally clear on this one as some of the earlier works. It’s partly to do with the accenting and partly the pitching, which is of the higher variety. “Platoon Of Death” confirms the album as being all killer no filler and also gives that Slayer influence away in the tale of war. It’s not something that appears in the guitar sound, the band favouring a bass heavy drive but the drum sound on this one sees Amaury Wood deliver a stand out performance of jackhammer footwork and classic fills…

…Air raid sirens call the warning at the start of “The End Of Time“, which would make it a fine album opener if it wasn’t for it being an instrumental. It’s up there in the class of the early Metallica instrumentals with gentle progressions that return to a core orientation that showcase the bands musicanship. Having that heavier bass sound means the bass is more of a rhythm guitar on this one than an instrument that while important can be neglected and lost in the mix. Out of the gates at breakneck speed as the albums higher tempo rager, “Out Of Control” makes for a sprint finish with a hold on to your hats, play as fast as you can style that gives a satisfying punch. Its another one that could have been a rager of an opener, which should tell you all you need to know about the album. The track with the best title on the record in “We Kick Your Ass” is a Municipal Waste style tongue in cheek humour ripper with a full on face melter of a solo. Who could ask for more? [8/10]

Track listing

1. Anarchy
2. True Chatter
3. Live Die But Buy
4. TVs Grime
5. The Old Scapegoat
6. Platoon Of Death
7. The End Of Time
8. Out of Control
9. We Kick Your Ass

“Thrash Impact” by Psychoïd is out 28th August via Music-Records