• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

Overall, Wartime is a promising band from Bulgaria with a different take on Thrash and Progressive Metal. Their debut album, Against Destiny, released 13 years after the band was formed, is an example of promise going wrong. Why? The answer is not directly connected to the band, but first let me deal with Against Destiny.

Not something you hear every day, Wartime made sure their debut showcased their distinctive style. I hear elements of Death Metal, especially older bands, and both old and new Thrash. Wartime isn’t melodic, but their complicated song structures cover for that. The solos are intense and the riffs are challenging while, at the same time, giving the impression that there are no main riffs at all. Against Destiny is an intelligent release and perhaps that explains why it took the band so long to get it out.

While being progressive and diverse are strong attributes, it seems at points on the album that Wartime forgot to consider the flow of the songs. There were times when the riffs within songs didn’t seem to be connected. That problem, however, is nothing compared to the shortcomings of the mixing. Alex Azzali may have given Against Destiny a fine old school sound, but the mixing was not done properly, the EQ is awful and the phasing problem is unbearable. The mastering also leaves room for improvement as there is inconsistent sound from track to track.

The work of Wartime on their debut was impressive and they have a bright future, especially as they continue to perfect their music. Hopefully their production with give their material the boost it deserves instead of a smack in the face.