UMUR "Manifest Decimation" is the debut full-length studio album by US, Texas based thrash metal act Power Trip. The album was released through Southern Lord Recordings in June 2013. Power Trip was formed in 2008 and released a demo and two EPs before releasing "Manifest Decimation". The album features the following lineup: Chris Whetzel (bass), Riley Gale (vocals), Nick Stewart (rhythm guitar), Blake Ibanez (lead guitar), and Chris Ulsh (drums).

Power Trip play a powerful, aggressive, and occasionally rather brutal thrash metal style on "Manifest Decimation". The band are well playing and lead vocalist Riley Gale has a suiting raw and aggressive delivery. Unfortunately the band (or the producer) has chosen to put effects on the vocals, which make them sound like they were recorded in the room next door. They are slightly too low in the mix, distorted, and sound distant. The instrumental part of the music thankfully makes up for some of that by being sharp, aggressive, and hard edged. Power Trip are both able to deliver fast-paced riffs and rhythms and heavy mid-paced grooves with equal conviction.

Other than the odd vocal effect choice, the sound production is powerful and well sounding. It suits the rawness of the music perfectly. The material on the 8 track, 34:38 minutes long album is well written, catchy, and effective too, so upon conclusion "Manifest Decimation" is a promising debut album by Power Trip. They don´t have much in way of an original sound though and that is a minor issue, but if you enjoy all the classic virtues of the more aggressive and brutal end of the US thrash metal spectrum, "Manifest Decimation" is recommended. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

Primeval Scum Manifest Decimation is a top-notch crossover thrash album from Texas' Power Trip. The band blends influences from a jumble of prominent bands, especially Cro-Mags and Slayer. It is not often that you come across crossover albums in 2013 that sound like they would've fit in perfectly in the late 80s. The constant barrage of neck-snapping riffs, energetic vocals and raw (but not too raw) production make this album an instant winner among fans of this sound and among people who are looking for an album to rock out/mosh too.

However, it is the band's debut album so it's not surprising that there are a few flaws. There is not much variety to differentiate between the songs. The album does come off as very samey. Since the best songs are the first three and the last two, it really drags in the middle. The hardcore and thrash influences are not always seamlessly mixed. One of the songs basically stole the drum intro from Slayer's "Criminally Insane" before jumping into a very Suicidal Tendencies-like groove. I look forward to seeing how the band improves in the future as they continue to develop their sound and hone their songwriting.

This album has its pros and cons, but in the end, it has a lot of good things going for it. All of the songs are enjoyable (though not always memorable) in their own right and the band brings an undeniable energy to the table. Recommended for anyone who enjoys some well-done, angry crossover thrash, because that's exactly what this album is.

Standout tracks: Manifest Decimation, Power Trip, Conditioned to Death, Hammer of Doubt