Certain bands aren't huge names in their genre or style but nonetheless inspire smiles from those who are aware of them; are such a band. aren't as well known as or , two other combos that came out of the Bay Area thrash scene of the '80s. But the moshers who are hip to are quick to give them props, and gives those moshers no reason to think any less of them. This early-2010 release is 's first full-length album of new studio recordings since 1991's ; 's 2004 release contained several new recordings (mostly covers) along with four previously unreleased 1991 demos for what was supposed to be the Opiate of the Masses EP. is a solid outing that finds 's 2010 lineup -- on lead vocals, and on guitar, on bass, and on drums -- combining high-speed thrashiness with epic power metal tendencies. Power metal, of course, was always a major influence on thrash, which owes a huge artistic debt to both power metal and punk. Epic hooks and choruses are things that thrash usually doesn't borrow from power metal, but there is no overlooking just how epic things get on and other tracks. And as blistering as becomes at times, are appealingly melodic through the 68-minute CD; this is an album that values nuance as well as intensity and caffeinated aggression. Headbangers who hold thrash metal and power metal in equally high regard should have no problem getting into . ~ Alex Henderson