Review: “New Eyes” by Havok

It has been four long years since the last audio confession of Colorado Thrash Metal overlords Havok and with a wealth of touring activities announced with Exodus no less, it seemed like madness not to have a record of some kind primed and ready. That doesn’t change the fact that Mixed and mastered by Mark Lewis and with cover art painted by Eliran Kantor, surprise released EP “New Eyes” has come out of nowhere and hit like a sucker punch. After two albums with Century Media this one appears via Afterburner Recordings and once again there are line up changes. Bassist Nick Schendzielos returns having made his last contributions to 2019’s “Conformicide” while guitarist Reece Scruggs exists stage left after a fourteen year stretch. In his place Brett Rechtfertig of Psychosomatic has been filling in at live shows.

16 minutes and 8 seconds of Thrash Metal aggression begins with the rampaging “Death Is An Illusion“, a short, sharp reminder of what Havok are all about. Galloping drums from Pete Webber are accompanied by those trademark spitting, snarling vocals from David Sanchez and an electrifying riff with a sinister edge. The message? Death is but a door, you will live forever in hell. A chant-a-long anthem, it will have you hooked from the start. A classic 1980s style Bay Area Thrash cut “New Eyes” plays of familiar themes with obvious early Megadeth influences. Are the conspiracy theories true? The truth is often stranger than fiction, so look around and question everything that you see. Another powerful statement piece with a strong backbone, it’s an intelligent reminder that the World is a dangerous place while also being the very essence of what Havok are about. Thrash riffs galore! Hopefully this pair are just the tip of the iceberg and the band return with another album next year because they show great promise. They may have a new line up but they have lost none of their energy, style or grace in the process.

Havok have recorded covers before and back in 2012 for “Point Of No Return” Sepultura and Slayer classics were the order of the day. Fast forward the tape twelve years and Creedence Clearwater Revival are being exploited for “Commotion“. Never did we think we’d see the day. Having said that, this Thrashed up rendition has been given the Havok make over with a ripper of a solo and a couple of nice guitar drop outs for the bass to rumble. Tastefully done, it will make a nice set closer if they can persuade those at the back to uncross their arms and sing the chorus. If you hadn’t already guessed it “Eye Of The Beholder” is very much a cover of the song by Metallica from “And Justice For All“. Now before we get into the rights and wrongs of it, let’s talk about pet hates. Why, why, why do vocalists feel the need to do a James Hetfield impression when they pull out a Metallica cover? There is absolutely no need for it. David Sanchez does that here and it’s like nails down a chalk board on first listen. After you get over that, this rendition is a tight, crisp and clean one that sticks close to the original and benefits from the modern production value 36 years on. It works really well in the context of the paranoid world of this record… [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Death Is An Illusion
2. New Eyes
3. Commotion (Creedence Clearwater Revival Cover)
4. Eye Of The Beholder (Metallica Cover)

“New Eyes” by Havok is out 1st November 2024 via Afterburner Recordings