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Belgian thrashers Warckon, formed in 2007, self-released their debut album, The Madman's Lullaby, in 2011. It has now been re-released by French underground label Emanes Metal Records. I can understand the label's interest in Warckon's debut because if you measure the album with a "thrash-ometer," The Madman's Lullaby is pretty much off the scale with aggressive, cleverly played old school Thrash, spiced with Warckon's attempts to avoid sounding like a carbon copy of any other Thrash band.

Sure, 80's Bay Area Thrash has been the biggest influence on these Belgian thrashers but we really cannot blame them for having that distinct vibe, can we? Warckon thrash throughout the entire album, from start to finish. They employ lots of unexpected breaks, attacking riffs and cool tempo changes along with a decent amount of nice solos and gang-vocal shouts. The use of many acoustic parts definitely gives listeners some time to take a breath before they push pedal to the metal again. The instrumental, "Salvation," shed new light on Warckon; they have a softer side and are not out to kill everyone in their sights all the time.

The Madman's Lullaby is a promising effort from these Belgian thrashers. I'll definitely keep my eye out for their future releases.