• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

There have been a lot of bands in recent years reaching back to the early 80s for that Black/Thrash/Speed sound pioneered by Slayer, Possessed and, of course, Venom. Few have captured all the things that made Welcome to Hell, Black Metal and At War With Satan such classics as has Richmond, Virginia's Bat. I don't recall being super impressed with their Cruel Discipline single but here I sit listening to their debut, Wings of Chains, banging my head like a maniac.

The things that made Venom unique, e.g. speed, loose playing, Punk attitude, dark, sometimes satanic lyrics, etc., are all here on Wings of Chains. Most of the songs are under three minutes which is perfect for this style; no song wears out its welcome but many leave you wanting more. Tracks like "Bloodhounds" and "Ritual Fool" fucking thrash with just the right amount of sneer in the vocals. "Total Wreckage" features a slower chorus that will have you thinking of Venom's "Warhead" (c'mon, say it the right way – WAR-HEEEEAAADDDDDDD!!!!) A lot of bands are just aping this style but Bat make sure their songwriting pays respect to the unholy creations of Cronos, Mantas and Abaddon's, but retain enough originality to avoid simple mimicry. If imitation is the highest form of flattery, Venom should be very flattered indeed.

Hardly groundbreaking, Wings of Chains is simply balls-to-the-wall fun. Buy it and don't think too hard. TOTAAAAL WRECKAAAAGE!!!