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I don't review teasers all that often – I think this is the third time in 12 years. But hey, this is some new Joe Thrasher material, so when Matt sent me these three songs, everything else ended up on the backburner.

I first got "Cries of War" and "Homicide" which are very much what you expect from Joe Thrasher – catchy, straightforward, take-no-prisoners Thrash that sends you in a headbanging frenzy and promise to get the crowds roaring at live shows. These guys have a gift for making songs sound both dark and fun at the same time – they pretty much never miss. The sound is better than it was on the band's first full-length, the excellent Metal Forces – everything is clearer, heavier and brings the band's music to a new level (funny what a difference production can make.)

The next day Matt sent me "We Are the Ones", and I was expecting more of the same. It didn't take long before I fell off my chair. After the paramedics left, I played the song again – in full this time. From memory, this is the most "unique" Joe Thrasher song to date, in that it is very much different from the band's standard style. This is more of a Power/Thrash affair (but don't be afraid of the "Power" part – this is not pussified in any way.) If it wasn't for Scott Wark's distinctive vocals, I would have asked Matt if maybe he hadn't sent me another band's song by mistake. Catchy, anthemic sing-alongs, some Power Metal-ish drum patterns, all mixed together in an upbeat style that won't get the live crowds thrashing but rather get them yelling the lyrics, fists in the air. Great mix of aggressive Thrash and melodic Heavy Metal, at times this reminds me of the kind of stuff you'd hear on an early Metal Church album.

So yeah, this is not something you can buy, and as far as I know the songs are not being distributed. Sure thing is, I was already looking forward to the album, and now I can't wait. I don't know if Matt realizes that because of this teaser, I'll be harassing him with incessant "Is it out yet? Is it out yet?..." until the album finally sees the light of day...