adg211288 Immortal Legacy (2014) is the fifth full-length album by US thrash metal act Hirax. Although it is their first full-length album in five years, since El Rostro de la Muerte (2009), Hirax have hardly been quiet, releasing a number of splits, a couple of singles, a live DVD and a compilation release of some earlier EP's. Although recorded with a one-guitar lien-up this time compared to the duo that appeared on El Rostro de la Muerte Immortal Legacy does also feature a few guest guitarists; Juan Garcia (ex-Evildead, Agent Steel), Jim Durkin (Dark Angel) and Rocky George (ex-Suicidal Tendencies).

Despite Immortal Legacy only being the fifth Hirax full-length, the band history dates back all the way to 1981 (under the name L.A. Kaos; they became Hirax in 1984). 1981 was an important year for thrash metal as it is the year that three acts of the Big 4 were formed; Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax. Though Hirax never made it up to their level of popularity and were inactive between 1989 - 2000 they're still proudly flying the flag for thrash metal as of Immortal Legacy. They are arguably one of the most unsung acts of the thrash metal genre and on Immortal Legacy Hirax prove that they are still a absolute force to be reckoned with.

While Hirax are generally considered to have some elements of crossover thrash the music on Immortal Legacy is to my ears more like a mix of old school thrash and speed metal. Musically the album seems fairly standard work that definitely wouldn't have been out of place if released around the time the band first started, but what really sets it and Hirax apart is frontman Katon W. de Pena. Katon, the only original band member at this point, is something of a rarity within the thrash metal genre in my experience, a genuinely great metal singer who really does sing as well as apply the edgier shouted vocals more typical of thrash metal. On Immortal Legacy Katon gives one of the best thrash metal vocal performances I've ever heard which, coupled with the addictive songs on the album, results in an excellent listening experience. Highlights for me include Black Smoke, Hellion Rising and the lengthily titled Thunder Roar, The Conquest, La Boca de la Bestia - The Mouth of the Beast -, buy really you can't go wrong with any of the main songs here (there are a few interlude tracks as well, one of which, Atlantis (Journey To Atlantis) is a bass solo).

2014 has so far served up several really great thrash metal records such as those by Nervosa, Savage Messiah, Exmortus and Dust Bolt. Immortal Legacy is the next in a line of absolutely killer thrash metal albums of 2014. The addictive material, great vocals and passion level in the music make this one simply irresistible and many more spins after I post this review are inevitable (having already played it half a dozen times or more already).

Time Signature Immortal legacy...

Genre: thrash metal

Hirax is among the pioneers of thrash metal. Yet they have never received as much attention as their peers and have remained largely underground as a cult band. The band's main man Katon W. DePena was featured prominently in the "Get Thrashed" documentary and seems like a sympathetic dude who loves his metal and who is passionate about thrash metal. The band released their fifth album "Immortal Legacy" in February this year, and the question is whether Hirax still have the thrash metal spirit so many years down the line.

And the answer is, yes they do. "Immortal Legacy" is an all out thrash attack, as the band embrace an old school California thrash metal sound which incorporates elements from more traditional metal as well. The compositions on the album are straightforward with no frills, as the songs revolve around relatively simple but compelling and empowering riffs accompanied by fierce drumbeats. In other words, this album is all about aggression and thus captures one of the essential features of thrash metal. And it does so in a way that definitely reflects DePena's love of the genre. DePena's vocals interchange between a mid-range more Bobby Blitz-sque style to his intense trademark high range style.

Production-wise, "Immortal Legacy" is not polished, but is characterized by a roughness around the edges, which suits the aggressive music very well. The musicianship is admirable, but Hirax have opted for spirit and soul rather then precision. Thus, they are not always tight in their performance (but they're not exactly sloppy either!), which generates an air of authenticity around them and adds a lot of charm to the album.

"Immortal Legacy" is an all out thrasher, and fans of the genre should check it out. It's simple: if you want thrash, you got it.