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God damn. If I could get away with two-word reviews, that's what I would say about Prelude to Ruin's debut EP. They work in a very '80s sound that's similar to Liege Lord and Jag Panzer if they developed a fun cocaine habit, and if that doesn't sound like the coolest thing in the world, what the fuck are you doing listening to Metal in the first place? Every song is crammed with fistfuls of killer riffs, wailing vocals whose enthusiasm makes up for their limitations, and so much blazing speed and energy you'd swear it would all careen out of control at some point, but everything remains tight and engaging throughout, and it even slows down at points to display some soaring melodies. The entire album is a masterclass in the style, but "Dreams (Won't Fade)" stands out the most to me as its grooving riffs and endless swagger make it sound like a long-lost track from Ample Destruction, and that is not praise I give lightly.

In a sea of bands working to emulate the Golden Age of Metal, Prelude to Ruin stands out for going at it with energy and passion that's hard to come by, and it makes for a short but stunning release that'll leave you hitting the play button time and time again. Essential.