26th April 2025

Review: “Revenge Is My Name” by Avenger of Blood

Known for their post-apocalyptic themes painted in Thrash infused with Speed and Death Metal, Avenger of Blood have ruled Las Vegas Nevada with an iron fist for the past twenty three years. Their time in power has been a turbulent one however with numerous line up changes over the years that lead to the band splitting up in June 2013 only to reform four months later. 2023 saw them re-record and rebrand their debut album “Completely Annihilated” seven years after predecessor “‘On Slaying Ground” made waves. Having had a settle line up since 2020 has allowed them to time to write and record new material and “Revenge Is My Name” is simply the tip of the iceberg, the band having a full length album pencilled in for a 2026 release.

Despite being in the band since 2020, this EP marks the first writing contributions of bassist Corey Sorrenti (ex-Vanishment, ex-Temple of Perdition) and guitarist Chris Garcia and they get off to a flyer with the opening cut and title track “Revenge Is My Name“. A fine example of adrenalized ripping early Death Thrash played at breakneck speed, it finds the outfit screaming through the backwoods like the grim reaper on a mission to fill graves. Earworm riffs fly in all directions before bursting into an extended flaming solo mid cut. An unstoppable force of nature and demonstration of earth shattering power, this fierce onslaught is exactly what it needed to be – a timely reminder of just how good Avenger of Blood have been and could be once more. Menacing and sinister “Throes of Temptation” takes a leaf from the book of Sadistic Force as Sal Lalli offers up a throat splitting vocal performance surrounded by a whirlwind of rhythmic battery. A sublime extended solo purrs like the engine of a well oiled war machine on the rampage, the five piece clearly hitting a rich vein of form at exactly the right time. Pounding the skull like a baseball bat “Til Death Do We Thrash” isn’t the tongue in cheek humour laced anthem that you might have expected given the title. Instead its a venomous onslaught of razor sharp Death Thrash riffs and bloody violent lyrics with rumbling bass and sweeping leads as the band bury their hatchets in flesh. A headbangers dream and a local radio nightmare, it’s a statement of intent that is vital to the bands success going forward. There is no respite either as “Unraveling” is unleashed with scalding fury, a rampage through the streets with sharpened blades held aloft, ready to strike. The verve, swagger and confidence of this record is majestic to hear, the five piece giving zero f***s and annihilating the weak in old school style, making this an almighty return [8.5/10]

Track Listing