Review by Felix on July 4, 2019.

I am very interested in Axegressor's work since I have heard the fantastic self-titled band anthem that was published on their thrilling debut. Their second album was even better than their first output, because it was filled to the brim with lethal weapons. I was therefore very delighted that they went on and released a third album called Last. Initially, I was afraid that it could actually be their farewell full-length because of its title. But meanwhile, they have already published the fourth album... Forgive me for being a scaredy-cat. 

The strapping quartet offers nine tracks with a running time of 36 minutes. This alone smells like old-school, doesn't it? And it's true, the Finnish aggressors are definitely old-school, they are ugly and make no compromise. The guitars and the almost omnipresent bass, which gives the production an extra-dose of heaviness, characterize the intense music while the tones of singer “Johnny Nuclear Winter” (these Finnish names are really strange…) still sounds like the noises of an injured animal on the run. Don't get me wrong, he can take that as a compliment. The backing vocals are used in a targeted manner and they sound strong, too. All songs are running more or less in the same vein. They are fast, powerful and mighty without being predictable. Axegressor act with an exceptional degree of aggression and therefore they will surely energize every fan of rude thrash metal. Just enjoy the ultra-fast parts of "Command to Last" as well as its brief galloping section. Generally speaking, if you expect a minimum of sweet melodies or harmonic singing, you are not in the right ballpark. May I dare to say that, for example, some short acoustic parts would have increased the variety of the album? No? Okay, then I'm quiet. (And, in all honesty, variety is no end in itself.)

Admittedly, it is difficult for me to figure out the best songs. The album works as a whole. It hits you like a lasting act of violence that is used to demoralize you. At the latest now I have understood what Exodus preach for roughly three decades. Axegressor celebrate "good friendly violent fun" - naturally without touches of humor according to the general understanding. It goes right the other way around; their riffs are dry to the bone and move constantly forward. The song title "A Fistful of Ignorance" symbolizes their attitude in a very precise manner. Perhaps the solos could leave a greater impact, but that remains negligible due to the strong overall impression.

You do not have to like this bullying album, but no one will be able to claim that these guys did not do their job properly. A Finnish army in rage always makes trouble and Last does not lack energy, enthusiasm or pressure. Moreover, the technical skills of the musicians are first class and their passion and integrity is beyond doubt. Thus, the cover motif (heavy metal skull number 21.341, I guess) features the only vapid detail. Fans of Battery, Terrifier or early Destruction are summoned to get a copy.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Review by Felix on July 4, 2019.

I am very interested in Axegressor's work since I have heard the fantastic self-titled band anthem that was published on their thrilling debut. Their second album was even better than their first output, because it was filled to the brim with lethal weapons. I was therefore very delighted that they went on and released a third album called Last. Initially, I was afraid that it could actually be their farewell full-length because of its title. But meanwhile, they have already published the fourth album... Forgive me for being a scaredy-cat. 

The strapping quartet offers nine tracks with a running time of 36 minutes. This alone smells like old-school, doesn't it? And it's true, the Finnish aggressors are definitely old-school, they are ugly and make no compromise. The guitars and the almost omnipresent bass, which gives the production an extra-dose of heaviness, characterize the intense music while the tones of singer “Johnny Nuclear Winter” (these Finnish names are really strange…) still sounds like the noises of an injured animal on the run. Don't get me wrong, he can take that as a compliment. The backing vocals are used in a targeted manner and they sound strong, too. All songs are running more or less in the same vein. They are fast, powerful and mighty without being predictable. Axegressor act with an exceptional degree of aggression and therefore they will surely energize every fan of rude thrash metal. Just enjoy the ultra-fast parts of "Command to Last" as well as its brief galloping section. Generally speaking, if you expect a minimum of sweet melodies or harmonic singing, you are not in the right ballpark. May I dare to say that, for example, some short acoustic parts would have increased the variety of the album? No? Okay, then I'm quiet. (And, in all honesty, variety is no end in itself.)

Admittedly, it is difficult for me to figure out the best songs. The album works as a whole. It hits you like a lasting act of violence that is used to demoralize you. At the latest now I have understood what Exodus preach for roughly three decades. Axegressor celebrate "good friendly violent fun" - naturally without touches of humor according to the general understanding. It goes right the other way around; their riffs are dry to the bone and move constantly forward. The song title "A Fistful of Ignorance" symbolizes their attitude in a very precise manner. Perhaps the solos could leave a greater impact, but that remains negligible due to the strong overall impression.

You do not have to like this bullying album, but no one will be able to claim that these guys did not do their job properly. A Finnish army in rage always makes trouble and Last does not lack energy, enthusiasm or pressure. Moreover, the technical skills of the musicians are first class and their passion and integrity is beyond doubt. Thus, the cover motif (heavy metal skull number 21.341, I guess) features the only vapid detail. Fans of Battery, Terrifier or early Destruction are summoned to get a copy.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Review by Aaron on February 20, 2005.

Black Nasa’s Deuce provides a decent lesson in quality over quantity. Spearheaded by Atomic Bitchwax bassist Chris Kosnik, Black Nasa put out 10 tracks of acid-tinged rock clocking in at a mere 34 minutes long. Throughout Deuce there are many tips of the hat to the likes of Pink Floyd, KISS and Deep Purple. Despite farming in such over-tilled soil, the band maintains a freshness of sound that keeps this album well enough away from the “Been there, done that” file.

Originality might not be a huge priority on these guys’ list, but many a potentially good rock album has been wrecked by trying to be the next Hawkwind instead of just delivering a good, straight ahead album like these guys do. The songs average about 3.5 minutes long, leaving the album overall pretty lean and tight. My only exceptions to this would be the three instrumental pieces, which seemed to have a tendency towards ambling away in awkward directions, leaving a decent ending difficult to get to, let alone appreciate. Kosnik and crew still prove to be adept musicians with a keen sense of groove, making the majority of the album a likable listen. The exception to this would be their entry for the “We Didn’t Really Need to Do This” Award 2004 with their off the cuff rendition of Run DMC’s “You Be Illin’” at the very end of the album. This is a minute and three seconds that need not ever exist. Remember guys, death is easy, comedy is hard.


Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 7
Atmosphere: 6
Production: 6
Originality: 6
Overall: 7

Rating: 6.4 out of 10

Review by Aaron on February 20, 2005.

Black Nasa’s Deuce provides a decent lesson in quality over quantity. Spearheaded by Atomic Bitchwax bassist Chris Kosnik, Black Nasa put out 10 tracks of acid-tinged rock clocking in at a mere 34 minutes long. Throughout Deuce there are many tips of the hat to the likes of Pink Floyd, KISS and Deep Purple. Despite farming in such over-tilled soil, the band maintains a freshness of sound that keeps this album well enough away from the “Been there, done that” file.

Originality might not be a huge priority on these guys’ list, but many a potentially good rock album has been wrecked by trying to be the next Hawkwind instead of just delivering a good, straight ahead album like these guys do. The songs average about 3.5 minutes long, leaving the album overall pretty lean and tight. My only exceptions to this would be the three instrumental pieces, which seemed to have a tendency towards ambling away in awkward directions, leaving a decent ending difficult to get to, let alone appreciate. Kosnik and crew still prove to be adept musicians with a keen sense of groove, making the majority of the album a likable listen. The exception to this would be their entry for the “We Didn’t Really Need to Do This” Award 2004 with their off the cuff rendition of Run DMC’s “You Be Illin’” at the very end of the album. This is a minute and three seconds that need not ever exist. Remember guys, death is easy, comedy is hard.


Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 7
Atmosphere: 6
Production: 6
Originality: 6
Overall: 7

Rating: 6.4 out of 10