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It's hard to believe California's Vicious Rumors has been around since 1979. One of the original Shrapnel Records signees they moved on to Roadrunner for what is probably their most well-known release, Digital Dictator, in 1988 then hooked up with Atlantic Records for a few releases right around the time the Metal scene dried up in the early 90s. They continued to release quality Heavy Metal on a variety of indie labels over the years, rarely straying from their pioneering Power/Thrash formula and here we are today with their twelfth full-length, Concussion Protocol, courtesy of Steamhammer Records.

In terms of consistency Vicious Rumors is in the conversation with AC/DC and Motorhead and Concussion Protocol sounds just like you expect it would; sometimes speedy with wicked solos, sometimes slower with grinding riffs and always with aggressive, clear vocals pitching catchy choruses. These guys were certainly among the originators of what we now know as Power/Thrash and you can hear the influences of both styles on this album. Good luck trying to get the chanted chorus of "Last of Our Kind" or the high-pitched wail of "Chasing the Priest" out of your head. It is in songs like these that Vicious Rumors shines. They do these kinds of songs as good as anyone. Slower songs like "Victims of a Digital World" don't seem to take full advantage of the band's energy and just kind of take up space on the album, but are thankfully in the minority.

Overall this is a very solid album with only a few duds from this long-running band. More often than not, bands that have been around this long end up tarnishing the image of their early successes, but not Vicious Rumors. Concussion Protocol is a worthy addition to their catalog and anyone into their earlier albums or bands like Helstar and Metal Church should grab a copy without hesitation.