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GENERATION : GENOCIDE

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		Behind The Veil
		Metal Observer
		Metal Temple
		Nocturnal Hall
		Transcending The Mundane

Nocturnal Hall

Hailing from Germany, VERDICT used to be a death metal band that found its ways back to the thrash metal roots. Good idea I pleasurably ascertained after having consumed the band´s sophomore Generation : Genocide several times. This record really has to be a thrash crusher for fans of heavier but sophisticated tunes. Groundwork got surely adopted a little by Kreator. Unfortunately I don´t know the first release but these influences of old European Thrash-art definitely don´t get in the way of developing an own style and identity. Guitar works is powerful and musically sophisticated at the same time, singing sounds nicely sick and aggressive, while the rhythm-section cements on this base with much impact.

So I actually don´t wonder that already the opening double-pack Trail Of Terror and On The Run kills: murderous riffing, many (but not senselessly frittered) intelligent breaks and a huge amount of power that immediately captivates the listener. False Prophet kicks off almost progressive with a very beautiful intro, then turning out into a formidable, quite melodic thrasher. Killing Spree again is much heavier and much varied. But my favorite song is following Bestial Nature. Almost progressive parts meet heavy passages, combined with unbelievably melodies and a hell of an atmosphere. Well thought-out Thrash I´d say. Hats off, gentlemen! The guys got the hang on it!

Afterwards it gets a bit faster with Confession, Slavery and the title-track but still keeping the songs interesting with many good ideas integrated (and skillfully realized).

Generation : Genocide is definitely a strong album. But one might run the "risk" to listen to this record several times till it develops itself entirely. For me it is an advantage (you can enjoy much longer and it never gets boring) but it might be not that easy to open up new listeners, since the market is aiming at straight fare that´s selling fast. Anyway, VERDICT deliver long-lasting great work with profundity. That´s worth 9 points! Buy it!

www.nocturnalhall.com

Metal Observer

VERDICT are one of those bands with busy little fingers trying to compress as many riffs they possibly can into a single song but still try to have recognisable routes in the structures. Starting with your basic Death Metal during their formative years things have changed a bit on their newest and only second official album. What these guys are can pull off is admirable and makes one linger on the thought about where their limitations lie.

"Generation : Genocide" is swamped with classic death/thrash riffs and speeds packed within complex song writing and old school nods to revered institutions like SINISTER, KREATOR, HYPOCRISY and tons others. There´s indeed brisk craftsmanship inside the melodic dynamics and brutal flavours of songs like "Bestial Nature" and "Trail Of Terror", Daniel Baptista doesn´t have to do much else than his Andreas Sydow (DARKANE) impersonations because there´s always a catchy melody or something nasty and brutal around the corner. The music doesn´t stay in one place for too long, a quick transition from brooding melodies into sporting Thrashy splendours from the days of "Spiritual Healing" make "Confession" an exceptional standout track.

Since we´re already on the issue, a good portion of the riff work found on this album obviously pays homage to Schuldiner´s guitar legacy, especially the "normal" parts sound like latter day DEATH with occasional clean guitars and semi progressive fretwork with everything heard clearly as these songs have a pretty good sound though not entirely polished.

Some references to bands from 2000 and beyond are scattered across the album (THE FORSAKEN or ALTERED AEON) bringing in some technical workouts in between but VERDICT´s first rate instrumentalism is close to jaw dropping, it´s no wonder they sound so tight after years and years of practice. Normally I would like to see more variety in the vocals on such releases but when I hear Baptista´s active participation on these songs I can´t possibly ask for more.

These guys can flat out play Thrash/Death Metal with yesterday´s values and today´s modern flair. I say, well done gents!

(Online April 24, 2006)

www.metal-observer.com

Transcending The Mundane

German death thrashers Verdict have been around since the early nineties. When they started out they were basically a straight forward death metal band, but a few member changes and around 1997 they added a strong dose of thrash metal influence. Guitarist Heiko Montkowski and drummer Florian Bauer joined Verdict in 2001 and a year later they issued their debut, Reflections of Pain. Three years later, Verdict score a distribution deal with Twilight and offer their latest, Generation : Genocide.

I would hesitate to compare Verdict to their countrymates Kreator or Destruction but if you like aggressive thrash you would be wise to check out Generation : Genocide. There is a timeless quality to Verdict. This could´ve been released in any of the past three decades if you compare the style of metal. They do have a dose of death metal brutality mixed in at times. Verdict are on their way to joining local bands like Dew Scented and Soul Demise as death thrashers to watch.

Album Score: 7 out of 10

Reviewed by: Brett VanPut

http://basementbar.com

Metal Temple

German Heavy Metal thrashers Verdict come back with their second - after their first album, "Reflections of pain" - razorblade attempt with the extremely optimistic title "Generation : Genocide". Even though the band was formed about ten years ago, they´ve had to cancel this release due to financial and other problems which stood in their way. There is an obvious thrashy atmosphere spread all over here. Impressive riffs and aggressive vocals are the typical signs of the Verdict sound and give it a particular, individual note.

Here you can find many melodic guitar passages as well as harmonic guitar parts, roaring guts and vocals. The vocal lines may cause certain stomach difficulties to certain people, since this kind of vocals are "love them or leave them". Additionally the production could have definitely been better at certain points. If you like a combination of Thrash and Death metal, all minced through a semi-progressive filter then maybe Verdict is your band.

There is also a semi experimental atmosphere combined with Thrash or even Death Metal elements which set the final character for this CD. There are many tempo changes - which create an impressive variety for the listener - and in the 40 minutes and 43 seconds of this album you will realize that the German thrashers are not joking! Aggressiveness will not cease for the majority of the time length of this album.

I don´t think that these guys can offer something that extremely unique to the genre since their songs are really well played and have a touch of progressiveness, yet you can not feel like ripping your clothes off after you´ve heard this album for the third time.

Album Highlights: "Trail Of Terror", "Killing Spree" and "Bestial Nature".

Reviewed by Panagiotis on 2005/11/14

www.metal-temple.com

Behind The Veil

The German death/thrashers Verdict have decided to release this year their sophomore full length studio effort under the title "Generation : Genocide" and I think it´s a pity having to wait so long to release such a wonderful album. The band was formed almost a decade ago and their debut self financed album was offered to the masses back in 2002. So, the guys had to wait for quite a lot of time since they arose the interest of a label. Twilight was able to correctly evaluate the abilities and potential of this band, offered them a deal and I think they must feel really content doing so, simply because Verdict composed an incredible album! Now back to "Generation : Genocide", which is a violent and aggressive assault that will penetrate you to the core and devour your souls! High class, skillful death/thrash metal with amazing and catchy riffs, nice solos and an overall massive impact and heavy atmosphere! It´s surely the ideal album for headbanging, filling you with a crushing and leveling raw power that will excite you! If you are true death/thrashers, don´t miss this album!

Rating: 8,5/10

Christine Parastatidou

www.geocities.com/behind_the_veil2001/