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When I first heard Imagika a few years ago, I thought that if ever thrash metal is going to be the order of the day again, Imagika would be the frigging battering ram that would smash the gates wide open. Although alive and kicking, thrash metal is like the old man with a glorious past and lots of stories, but not nearly the charismatic centre of attention he once was. Imagika may not be able to revive the hoards of thrash metal, but it is bands like this that keep the old man in good health. And it's time people at least took notice. Here they are with their fifth go around – "My Bloodied Wings" – a beastly thrasher with enough melody to remind everyone how this shit is done.

In a Hallows Eve sort of way, they mix melody and heavy grunts on top of diabolical thrash riffs; the kind of riffs that even Testament, Death Angel or Exodus would line up for if they were on sale. And then it's the 'all guns blazing' attitude they come at you with. It is quite clear that Imagika won't stray too far from the mighty guitar solo either – which is yet another quality that puts Imagika right at the top because musically, these guys don't seem capable of faltering.

I do however have a problem with this new vocalist who thinks he can hit the incredibly high notes that are well and beyond his capabilities. The track "Hunter's Moon" for example, is especially painful to sit through. The guy has a diverse vocal range, but that doesn't make all experiments good by default. Despite a few rough edges to sand however, the sheer quantity of quality riffs on the menu here is astonishing. And coupled with those immaculate solos, Imagika soar right at the top of the league. With "My Bloodied Wings" it seems Imagika have gotten more melodic than in the past, but the aggression and speed still remain in tact. Although this record does not feature anything like "Darkness Has Come" or "Fade Away" – their two greatest songs thus far, as a whole, this is one mighty solid slab of metal that just should not be denied.