Premunition - Master of Disaster
Self released - 10 Oct. 2006
Written by Michael Koger
Even though Florida is mostly known for its retirement communities and death metal bands,
Premunition decided to change that. When the first track clicked on, the first thing I thought was, "Is this some long lost
Testament demo I'm listening to", because that's exactly what
Premunition sound like.
Premunition formed in 2002 to play thrash not unlike
Testament and early
Sepultura, and, for the most part, I think they achieve this. The first two tracks are very well executed thrash metal.
'Immortal Life' sounds like some sort of mixture of
Artillery and
Toxic Holocaust. The last two tracks are even better than the ones preceding them. My only complaint was that the first track,
'Master of Disaster', isn't as fast as I would like it to be, but this is remedied quickly in track two,
'Awaited In Vain'. The intro and section beginning around 1:45 of
'Awaited in Vain' especially tantalized me. Some of the lead guitar work doesn't work in various points throughout the album, and this briefly ruins the awesomeness of the post chorus riff of
'Awaited in Vain'. Some of the notes used during the guitar solos sound out of place and don't mesh well at all with the background. Even though the notes may be played at fifty billion beats per minute, that quick jarring effect could ruin a section or entire song. Also, the lead guitarist falls prey to Kirk Hammet-Wah Wah abuse in a few parts. This is an aesthetic and nonessential bone, but still something I think should be pointed out. Aside from the occasional guitar mishaps and the sometimes uninspired vocals (which sound at times like
Repulsion), the music is largely enjoyable. The speed of
Dark Angel mixed with the riffing madness of early
Sepultura or
Kreator forms an excellent mix. There is enough variety in the songs to keep them interesting.
The closing song contains a lyric which seems to be the modus operandi for Premunition:
"We are Premunition and we are here to bring Thrash back to the masses". This statement, of course, fills me with much happiness. It seems as though the US thrash scene is operating extremely well in the underground after something of a hibernation period. With bands like
Dekapitator and
Premunition, there is definite hope for an ugly, headbanging resurgence in America's thrash scene.
Official Premunition Website
