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War Remains is the kind of thrash album that makes me wonder why some people still hang on to those older thrash bands that are only a shadow of their former selves. Not going to name any, this is not the place (you know who they are ;)).

In just over 33 minutes, Enforced put the listener through a fast, heavy, pounding, hard-hitting, relentless thrash fest. It's both old school (some subtle hints of '80s Slayer in there, among others) and modern thrash, with a healthy dose of crossover (especially the vocals). Sharp, abrasive riffs just call for you to dust off the air guitar and some songs will send you to the hospital for excessive headbanging. I found the vocals take some getting used to, but I don't see a different style working as well with the songs, so it's worth giving them a chance to sink in. It's been done before, but Enforced do it right, with attitude to boot. If you like straightforward, crossover-tinged, precise and all-hell-breaks-loose thrash, this is it right here.