Review by Adam M on December 13, 2016.

Meshiaak performs a very modern form of thrash. There are certainly other styles blended into their overall mix like hardcore. This is because of the very upfront sound that has a heavy bass presence. The sound is similar to the other hardcore influenced band that I can think of Sylosis as much as it is older Metallica.

This full bodied sound certainly has an impact, however, because there haven’t been many great thrash releases this year. When inspecting it next to the new Anthrax, one can see less of a classical orientation and more of the modern position. The production is crisp and helps put the massive guitar riffs at the forefront. Musicianship is just as rigidly accomplished with tight guitars taking the place above solid drumming. One can worship the musicianship on the track It Burns at Both Ends where there is some interesting guitar interplay. This is entirely the type of thrash release that needs to be played to fill in the gap for this type of release this year. Although Revocation did release an album, the more modern thrash definitely goes along with that classic sound performed by Anthrax and Death Angel. There is simply that sheen that has the edge of these recent bands and elevates the album up into the higher registers of the albums of the year. The thing that prevents this from being an altogether beast of an album is perhaps this hardcore aspect the band has. It makes them sound sort of simple when compared to the Anthrax, for example.

However, the amount of variation and hugeness of the riffs does take this release and place it with that one as the two best from the genre this year. It is nice to have one release of each type of thrash at the top of the heap this year. It should be noted that those that enjoy grunge will find something to like with Alliance of Thieves as well. As a debut release this is very strong stuff.

Rating: 8 out of 10