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California's Internal Corrosion has been active since 1993 but despite 20+ years in the business, Spiritual Poverty is only their second full-length. Thrash Metal, mainly of the Testament variety with hints of Exodus and Overkill, is the order of the day. Internal Corrosion's songwriting is simple and effective with no frills and no attempts to push the envelope in any way. Sharp riffing, gruff, barking vocals and some exceptional lead work are a bit hamstrung by a weak and muddy production. The lyrics are a bit cliché, even for Thrash, but they, like the rest of Spiritual Poverty, are true to the genre.

Spiritual Poverty is derivative, to be sure, and there's nothing contained within that even the most casual Thrash Metal fan hasn't heard before. On the other hand, it is loud, tight and aggressive and you'll have a hard time not breaking out the air guitar. Internal Corrosion has talent and some songs with a bit more individuality would do a lot to propel them to the next level.