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Blackshift are a band from Sweden that plays the tried and tested formula for thrash metal. In other words, we have the jagged double axe attacks, no singing talent but yet somehow pulls through, solos and quick, simple and efficient drumming.

This is not the greatest piece of music out there, but is still worth a mention and certainly a delight for someone who just wants to kick back and get into some plain and simple thrash metal. We have some fine riffing, especially on the first three tracks and great solos. The production and the riffs are actually a little too sharp for their own good as they badly overshadow the leads sometimes. However, the band does know how to use the two guitars to its advantage and both guitarists pretty much do their own thing primarily following the repetitive riff plus lead combo.

I don't particularly enjoy the vocals, but I guess I can live with them. The singer seems to be trying a little too hard to deliver that angry, roaring type of voice and it gets very whiny and repetitive towards the end. You can tell he is struggling because he has a completely monotone voice through out and not much diversity. I am not suggesting this type of music should involve extremely talented vocalists with full control over their voices, however a little diversity wouldn't hurt. Also the vocals are mid-tempo throughout the disc. They never really hit the sheer speed that I would like them to.

What the band lacks in the vocal department, it more than makes up in for it musically. There are still many modern influences in the music, however the band seems fairly well in touch with the roots of thrash and delivers a very plausible performance. It would be a good idea to check them out on a full length, if they ever release one.