Time Signature Slayer meets Testament meets Kreator...

Genre: thrash metal

Formed in 1992, Repent have been around for some time now, and "Vortex of Violence", which was released in 2012, is their third full length album. The album teems with anger and aggression, and features all those elements that make for good thrash metal.

Thus, the listener is treated to uptempo and aggressive passages, combining the speed and brutality of slayer with the technical affinity of Testament, with a good dose of inspiration from the early releases by Kreator. Moreover, Repent are not afraid to insert midtempo and often groovy passages into the songs, which allow for a lot of insane moshing at their live shows, I'm sure.

The guitar solos are for the most part quite melodic and rocky, and they are in an interesting contrast with the aggressive music (although there are a couple of melodic elements in the compositions themselves). The vocals are harsh, and Repent make use of the old, but effective, riot-chorus trick known from US hardcore.

While the music itself is pretty good, the production is a bit tinny at times, and, as a result, it does take a couple of tracks for the ear to attune to the sound.

Fine thrash metal, the twelve tracks on "Vortex of Violence" are definitely enjoyable and should appeal to fans of Slayer, Testament and early Kreator, among others.