16th July 2023

Review: “Focused, Fierce, Relentless” by Bray Road

Taking their name from actual road located in Elkhorn Wisconsin where stories of the popular cryptozoological werewolf-like creature, the Beast of Bray Road, is said to stalk, Thrash trio Bray Road have reached a milestone of their own. Masterminded by guitarist and vocalist Nino “Anthony” Nienas who launched the project in 2011, they celebrate 12 years together during which 2015’s debut album “Feast Upon the Helpless” and 2017 EP “Formation” have been highlights. The group is rounded out by Peter “Metal” Kissane on drums and Dave Moran on bass however former guitarist Mike Aschenbrenner and bassist Rob Pearson may have been involved in the record in some way shape for form, having exited stage left in 2021. An original version of “Dark Passenger” dates back to that time which finds Jason Hellman (Viogression, Dr. Shrinker, Morta Skuld) playing bass and Aaron Baker (Wizardhammer, Bray Road, Primal Enemy) playing Lead Guitars. So having survived sharing the stage with the likes of Testament, Prong and Jungle Rot they return with their third record, “Focused, Fierce, Relentless…” which has classic low budget horror movie lyrical inspirations…

…the clock struck midnight and there was an chill in the air. Wolves howled at the Moon and a haunting melody was heard on the wind before the sounds of flesh being ripped apart accompanied by evil laughter sent a shiver down the spine. Opening act “Goodbye Ms Godfrey” sets the tone for this one in 90 seconds of murderous intent before the old school Thrash attack of “Nobody’s Junior” surfaces from the black depths. A cut straight from the 80’s so called Golden era of the genre, it finds the band in similar territory to bands like Power Trip and Hazzerd with a little AC/DC flair to some of the riffs. The classic solo makes it something you would expect to here on the juke box in a Biker bar in an episode of Sons of Anarchy or Mayans M.C. right before someone smashes a beer bottle over someone’s head and all hell breaks loose. Flipping the script “Feed The Beast” then finds the band doing something a little different and inking lyrics that reference the Beast of Bray Road from which they take their name in cheesy hammer horror style akin to something Wednesday 13 would do while at the same time dropping none of their cruel Thrash intent. Littered with samples, the guitar attack of “Possible Violence” is undeniable, it’s influences bleeding through the bandages as it plays out before a curious drop out into a melodic passage offers something a little different.

There are a few points where the music lacks the power of a second rhythm guitar however that doesn’t detract from the quality of what is here to embrace. Staccato riff breaks then give “Ride” new found power while Nienas snarls an ode to the open road which flows into a tasteful guitar solo followed in quick succession by a bass solo from Moran. The addition of a Sepultura style tribal drum jam brings the curtain down in style on this one before a dive down Alice’s rabbit hole into the Speed Thrash spectacular “Dark Passenger” offers something special. Imagine the combination of “Master Of Puppets” era Metallica guitars with “Sweating Bullets” style Megadeth vocals and lyrics and you get the picture as Nienas introduces a Grimm Reaper like character to a Keg party on Palm Beach. You know it’s going to get bloody. Rose tinted spectacles aren’t required for the nostalgic “Takes One To Know One“, an absolute tub thumper of a Thrash spectacular and the tour de force of the record thanks to the sinister edged leads which build into short and yet oh so sweet solo. Things don’ t have to be fresh and new to be a good time and that is exactly what this is [7/10]

Track Listing