Boy what 5 years makes! HATCHET debuted back in 2008 with a less than explosive debut album, as it got hardly a listen from me, so I was actually shocked that Hatchet had a new album coming out. (Thought that they might have been one of those neo-retrothrash bands with a one and done deal.) Read a pretty glowing review of it on RateYourMusic dot Com, and so I took a chance and ordered it any way. Well, just after hearing the first song, which is a minute something intro, I knew right off the bat that something was different with this release. For one, the mixing seems much better. Better balance to the instruments and vocals. But with age comes some maturity, and the song writing is also much better. Fast-paced, but melodic thrash metal songs with vocals cross between Rob Dukes and Mille Petrozza....yeah, I'm going with a mixed Exodus and Kreator vibe. Musically??? Well, I'm going with a bit of Exodus and maybe Bonded by Blood, yeah, I know...but a bit different...anyway, it's cooler than Hell. I'm telling y'all, I will go so far as say that this will be in the Top 5 thrash albums of 2013 for sure. So if you're looking for a kick butt, bang your head thrash album...this is it! But it now...you won't be disappointed.