17th June 2026

Review: “No Light Shall Remain” by Warthrash

“The songwriting process for this album had two key elements. First, the addition of myself on second guitar brought new ideas and textures to the band’s sound. Second, we wanted to stay true to our identity while pushing beyond what we had done on our previous EP. We didn’t rush the process at all. We took the time to carefully work on every detail, and we believe that shows in the final result – a solid and well-crafted album.” ~ Warthrash

Having established the roots of their sound in early 80’s Thrash, for the past twenty years Warthrash have been growing, evolving and adapting. Maintaining the speed, aggression and direct nature of those early days, a greater Death Metal influence has firmly taken hold, making their sound both heavier and darker. Five years after the appearance of compilation album “De Bellvm Ad Tenebras” the Colombian quartet return with sophomore album “No Light Shall Remain“, their fifth studio record in all. While not a concept album in the conventional sense, it moves through a number of overarching themes including power, decay and confrontation. Recorded and mastered at Area 51 Studios in Medellín, its adorned by artwork from Felipe Mora (Tenebro, Critical Defiance, Necrobastard)…

Opting to take the path less travelled “No Light Shall Remain” begins with the title track, a sombre acoustic melody with sinister edge and just a hint of flamenco that takes us back to “Master Of Puppets” era Metallica. Its a curiosity which goes against the grain of the more traditional hard and fast start to a Death Thrash Metal record and serves as something of a palate cleanser or an amuse bouche for the mind, to settle the nerves and wash away and residual thoughts. Fleeting feedback then makes way for the bone snapping “Culebras Sin Honor“, the quartet bringing an old school sound to the table with seismic rhythms and a spellbinding solo. A powerhouse completed by grunted, demonic vocals and blast beats, its only granted permission to have as much impact as it does by the acoustic moment that comes before it. “Sombras del Poder” then doubles down on the 90’s Death Metal worship with tight, fast riffing and a kit performance that begins to feel like an artillery shelling by the time it reaches its bitter end. Mid-tempo instrumental passages give the lyrical narrative an opportunity to breathe as the band demonstrate prowess with their ability to control the chaos.

The spiralling solo at the heart of “Crucifixion” is worth the admittance fee alone, the rampaging Black Metal inspired percussive battery a savage beating from which there is no escape. What helps drive this one is having the bass a little heavier in the mix, so it acts as a second rhythm guitar, something which may only become apparent over multiple listens because you’re too busy headbanging to the rest of the brutality. Equally as intense “Oscura Condena” drives home the coffin nails with vim and vigour, the old school riffs a nostalgic throwback to the early days of bands like Morbid Angel. When you add to that the whammy bar action in the final moments you’ve got yourself something that is nothing short of a mighty fine time. Sure some this you may have heard elsewhere but this is done so well that you’re not going to care, even for a second.

“Wounds” feels like the theme song for a low budget horror movie about doing battle with Zombie hordes as it plays out at the tempo of the damned with not only verve and swagger but a surprisingly vibrant sense to it. Perhaps that’s down to the glorious fret-board worth with yet more incredible soloing but it feels triumphant none the less. Dark, menacing vocals and sinister riffs mean “Undefeated” keeps you on the edge of your seat, the false ending a third of the way through very well worked. Melodic Death Metal inspired leads are masterfully done, raising the hairs on the back of the neck and once again the extended instrumental passages do wonders for the bands abilities to get creative with their angles of attack.

The malevolent mass that is “Hand of Doom” has a wonderful rise and fall in the mid section which gives it a bit of pomp and circumstance, the bands blackened leanings creating a sense of the dramatic which works really well. Like some of the earlier tracks there is this almost majestic rhythmic groove to the cut and in all honesty if it was inspired by Infernal Majesty then it wouldn’t surprise. “Abismo Sin Retorno” takes the baton and runs with it like one of Satan’s Hell-hounds at the dog track in hell, the more direct opening foray making way for a sublime, meandering Progressive Death Metal solo that is soaked in atmosphere. As if they haven’t already given us enough, Warthrash bring out the kicking and screaming “Ruins“, a track which has a melancholic melody with Scandinavian roots interwoven into its dark fabric. Vocal layering is put to good use with grand finale “Hollow Existence“, a shriller voice hiding in plain sight underneath the brutal roar of the main one and if the screams of the song title don’t make you want to scream along with them then nothing will [8/10]

Track Listing