Review by Felix on March 10, 2025.

Mr. Whipstriker is back. He was lost in the Brazilian jungle or somewhere else, who knows, but now, seven years after his fourth full-length, he returns with a Cry Of Extinction. After four albums in eight years, we can only wonder why it took now such a long time to forge another full-length, because the general approach has not been modified. But this alone does not guarantee a new masterpiece. First of all, the production lacks punch and directness, especially in view of the wishy-washy guitars. Maybe it is a voluntary low-budget sound? Anyway, the result does not convince, because it makes it hard for the songs to develop a captivating effect. Moreover, I cannot remember a former album of the one-man-gang with such a powerless number like "Six-Eyes Crow Division" – and the sluggish "WWVI" also vanishes in a fog of mediocrity. Whipstriker's voice makes it sound like a Venom track and something in me says that this must lead to a good result. But firstly I am probably the last man standing whom the name Venom alone sends shivers down the spine. Secondly, it is Venom in the form of "Storm The Gates". This speaks volumes. The speedy part with the lukewarm solo cannot save the track.

Due to whatever reason, the lone Brazilian wolf has decided to record more than the usual 28 minutes. His new ambitions result in songs that do not live up to the expectations, while the short tracks like "Heartrippers" and "Khaalou's New World" present the project in good shape. The title track also holds some dirty, malignant and strong vibes while delivering the most typical Whipstriker riffing of the entire full-length. On the other hand, "Military Scum" leaves me slightly disturbed, because I cannot see that a ten-minutes-track makes sense in the context of Whipstriker's art. This is not the final monument of the album which crowns the entire work. It's nothing more than another track, not bad, but just longer than the other ones. Special effects or an individual, customized idea are nowhere to find.

The artist was born in the mid-eighties and I see with joy that he keeps breathing the spirit of the golden age of thrash metal. But this does not mean that the world has waited for a new version of Destruction's "Satan's Vengeance". And to be honest, the entire album is nothing that enriches the global black thrash scene. Doubtlessly, it has its moments and a handful of strong songs. But the fire, the stubbornness, the straightforwardness of the previous albums are missing. The intensity and the pleasure of total primitiveness that delivered a lot of good reasons to buy Whipstriker albums do not show up. So my friendly advice is, well knowing that the guy does not need any advices from my side: don't wait another seven years, but get back to your home studio, rehearsal room or whatever and record the next full-length quickly. You can do it better than on Cry Of Extinction. And don't think too complicated or too big. 28 minutes are enough.

Rating: 6.2 out of 10