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

Review by Felix on April 18, 2024.

I picked up this album for a review, because I wanted to give Omission a second chance. Their debut did not convince me, to say the least, but 14 years and six albums later it’s a matter of new game, new luck, right? Okay, the Spanish black thrash dudes are still somewhat confused: who the hell needs a Springsteen cover (“Roulette”)? You say nobody, but I disagree. That is at least one person too many. Anyway, nowadays the band is also able to show its musical muscles. “Hatred Circles” boasts with compelling riffing, “Shrouded Alive” smashes lukewarm pseudo-maniacs with its primitive hammering and “Slow and Crooked” seems to be partly lethargic at first glance, but do not underestimate its high speed outburst. It lends the song a certain quantum of dynamics.

“Disciples of Ravens Vengeance” is based on a very raspy guitar sound. The voice contributes the preliminary stage to hysteria, the drums do not fall by the wayside in the overall sound picture. Sometimes even the bass can be heard, haha. So the production is absolutely adequate and I also like the classy artwork. But to be honest, the musicians still have room for improvement when it comes to the songwriting. “Burn the Cross” was due to whatever reason the advance track, also its stupid one-tone-chorus goes down the drain. Worse still, the entire track avoids any exciting moment with great ease. And what the hell was “Conspiracy from Murks” all about? No clue, it’s another pretty colourless track. It comes and goes and I have forgotten each and every tone of the song after its end immediately (or even a little bit earlier…).

I may not forget to speak about the magnum opus of the album. “It’s Better to Burn Out” has a playtime of more than eleven minutes and I wonder why the band takes one of my daily thoughts in the office for a song title. Either way, this monumental piece reflects the little dilemma of Omission, because some parts are good, some are so-so (for example the soft campfire guitar intro which is not bad per se, but with more than two minutes definitely too long) and I cannot say that the song shines with total coherence. By the way, it’s an instrumental. That’s no problem, but you need a special attitude for such a number. Therefore I think the guys do not lack self-confidence. This is probably a helpful characteristic on their road ahead, but pretty strange in view of their present performance level. I am still no die hard fan of the formation and sometimes it seems to me that the global metal community suffers from too much rather than too little bands. But I appreciate the stamina, the integrity and the evolution of the guys. Maybe their next album shows their real strength.

Rating: 5.9 out of 10