Review by Carl on December 27, 2020.

It's pretty difficult to pick the peanuts out of the turd with this whole thrash revival thing. There's just a deluge of bands that are basically nothing more than your basic rockabilly act, looking and sounding like back then, but more sedate. Like if they're just going through the motions. Like drunk sex. But if you're willing to put in the effort, you can still dig up some acts that are really worth it. Take these dudes here. They've got the passion and the songs, so let's go!

On their previous two full lengths the band showcased a furious style of fast thrash that sounded like a methamphetamine fueled fistfight between Destruction, Kreator, Sacrifice and Bathory circa 1987, with Cryptic Slaughter dealing the occasional suckerpunch. Full throttle thrashing madness that sounded like they could barely hold it together themselves. I love those two albums and so it was natural that I bought their third offering as well, this here Reaping What Is Left.

The first thing I noticed is that the band has become more (I hesitate to use the word) mature. The songs sound more thought out, the band members seem to have more control over their instruments and it all just sounds better. Deathstorm still knows how to speed through their compositions but they sound more in control of their material, and this to great effect. Their previous efforts are awesome because of the sheer ferocious insanity of the music, but here the band has channeled that same ferocity into well rounded songs that provide variation and tempo changes, but that are not boring. The old intensity is still there without feeling neutered. There's still the influence of the 80's Teutonic thrashers (Sodom, Darkness, Protector, ...) and feel free to add Slayer, Artillery and Bathory's "Blood, Fire, Death" to the mix. This is thrash as it's supposed to be made: dark, aggressive and with respect for the roots, without becoming lame or a half-baked tribute band, like so many other bands. I am impressed, to say the least.

Other bands that "matured" usually become boring and lame, but not Deathstorm. This release is proof that these guys are ready to take the next step and that they deserve it. Bring on album number four, I'll be waiting!

Rating: 8 out of 10