24th August 2025

Review: “Warpath” by Anger Machine (8th Anniversary)

Sandwiched between the release of their 2016 debut EP “Unbreakable” and their 2019 debut album “Trail Of The Perished” came a twin track affair that should see release on 7″ vinyl. Titled “Warpath” and soaked in themes of Inner strength, Respect, Society, Death, Violence and Misanthropy it was the final studio recording from Dutch Groove Thrash crew Anger Machine with Tim Koole as their vocalist. It got the full music video treatment with cuttings from a number of live performances stitched together as if made for MTV with the words “More Money! More Power! More Death!” put on screen to mirror the songs vital gang chant…

As a song “Warpath” would later be revitalised for the bands sophomore album “Human Error” with guitarist Thijmen den Hartigh handling lead vocals but on this rendition it is Tim Koole who delivers the violence. Adrenalized Death Thrash riffs and thunderous percussive battery tear a hole in the time space continuum with distinctive 90’s vibes and obvious influences, Koole’s wrathful vocal a call to arms. Pitch harmonics in the guitar work are tastefully done as the juggernaut gains momentum, the lyrical narrative about fighting wars to become rich as relevant now as it was when the cut first first saw the cold light of day. A barnstorming solo with a bit of technicality about it is immense, the final verse a sucker punch that everyone can enjoy. There can be no mistaking how influential Sepultura have been over the past almost four decades and given the style of Anger Machine it comes as no surprise that they should choose to cover “Dead Embryonic Cells“. A crushing rendition that pays tribute to the Brazilians is exactly what the doctor ordered, this rendition benefitting from modern production values to give it more bark and bite. The drum parts have been absolutely nailed and the flaming solo is the definition of perfection itself so if you need a gateway into Anger Machine, look no further [8.5/10]

Track Listing