Vindicator might just be the most underappreciated newer
thrash band around. They never seem to draw as much attention as equally great
bands like Lich King or Bonded By Blood, despite being around just as long, and
often having an even more sizeable discography than similar bands. Their latest release comes in
the form of an EP, and while it is somewhat of a mixed bag in terms of content,
it is all quality. The meat of this EP is the three-song run at the beginning. “Sleeping
With Evil” is an up tempo thrasher built on some simple chugging riffs that are
driven by Vic Stown’s charismatic vocals. Vindicator is often described as a
combination of Megadeth and Nuclear Assault, and the primary reason for that in
my eyes is the vocals of Stown (alongside the band’s socio-political lyrics). Much
like both Mustaine and Connolly, Stown has one of those voices that is
immediately recognizable: somewhat higher pitched, a little weird at first, but
with lots of enthusiasm. The chorus of the title track is a prime example of
where his singing really shines. The next two tracks generally fall in line
with a typical new wave thrash band, and though neither are as strong as the
title track, both will put some wear on your neck when all is said and done. They’re
considerably faster than “Sleeping With Evil” and will certainly fulfill your
need to rage.
The other half of “Sleeping With Evil” is less
straightforward. Consisting of an instrumental, a demo, and a live track, I can’t
help but feel that the band ran out of material. As mentioned earlier, none of
these tracks are bad, but they feel a bit out of place after the incredibly
strong lineup at the beginning of the EP. "Destruction of Justice" is well-transitioned into, but the lack of Stown's vocals leave a bit of a hole in the band's sound. In the end, however, the existence of
these songs really does justice to the concept of an EP: it leaves you wanting
more. Vindicator does such an impressive job on the three main tracks that the
only thing that can be done is to put this on repeat until they put out another
album. The last full length was good, but this even outdoes that release.
Highlights
"Sleeping With Evil"
"Hockey Stick Vengeance"
"New Clear Assault (End of an Error)"
Final Rating
4.2/5 or 84%.