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Australian thrashers In Malice's Wake make a grand return with their third full-length studio album, titled Light Upon the Wicked – their first album on Italian Punishment 18 Records (they self-released their first two albums).

Light Upon the Wicked offers a lesson in how Thrash Metal can be done right, in which all-piercing and ferocious riffs seem to follow each other automatically. Imagine Testament's comeback album, The Formation of Damnation, on steroids. Well, sort of. In fact, that particular illusion is also strengthened by the fact that vocalist and guitarist Shaun Farrugia's lower end has the same throaty and all-things masculine-oozing vibe that one can find from Chuck Billy's vocals.

Seriously, Light Upon the Wicked pretty much kicks ass on all levels. Blistering guitar attacks by both Shaun and Leigh are present everywhere on this record, as are smart and spot-on tempo changes, accompanied by some excellently churned out solos, without forgetting In Malice's Wake's determination to wrap their songs around some really fitting, almost frightening and murky melodies. From the first moment right to the final chalk lines, these Australian thrashers come in hungry, having a true intention to kill with the first shot. And indeed, they happen to know by experience that the first strike is deadly, which they have also taken full advantage of on this absolutely furiously lethal album. The In Malice's Wake camp certainly knows how to thrash straight through your heart, how to shoot your brains against the wall – and first and foremost, how to create such a full-bloodied package of merciless Thrash Metal onslaught that can hardly be ignored by any Thrash fan. Light Upon the Wicked hits bull's eye with full force - and makes us Thrash Metal suckers and bastards happier than we've been in many years. The album's intensity level goes straight through the roof as effortlessly as a stray bullet pierces your fragile skull, providing an instant kill, which you love anyway.

So, does Light Upon the Wicked earn the title of "Best Thrash Metal Album of 2015"? Most probably so.