Genre: Thrash/death metal
Origin: Holland
Released: 2009
Website: Thanatos
Label: Deity Down Records
Uploaded: 20.04.09

Oh, how I dreaded the moment when I would have to review this album. I don’t generally listen to thrash metal, and there are very few bands of the genre I really appreciate. So when I get a promo of a thrash band I get a feeling of despair, ‘cause I’m not all that familiar with the genre and will most likely highly dislike the record. So, Justified genocide laid here for a while, still wrapped in its plastic, before I even dared listen to it. But this was luckily one of those few times where I should’ve just put it on and get my fears blown out the window, ‘cause this is one hell of an album.
Thanatos have apparently been around since 1984, but I’ve never heard of them before (might be that general antipathy towards the genre, maybe), and this is their fifth fullength. But it’s not pure thrash, far from it. Old school death metal is mixed with the grooviest thrash I’ve heard, bringing old Floridian acts to mind. But I even detect a tad black metal, or maybe it’s the vocals leading me astray. Now don’t get me wrong, this is not ordinary black metal shrieks, but a mixture of typical thrash screams, black and semi-death metal growls. And his voice is wicked, I tell you. Tight, slick riffing carrying with it loads of groove and energy lays the foundation for the music. And with the speeding drum work and vocals from the abyss it’s almost impossible not to get drawn in. You can’t listen to this and sit still; you have to get jiggy with it.
Most tracks range from mid tempo to extreme blasting, and the seriously fast bits add brutality and gets the adrenaline pumping. And it’s some of the most brutal thrash I’ve encountered. But Thanatos also show off some slower material, like for instance The devil’s triangle, which is a marvelous track. Quite frankly they’re all marvelous tracks. Anti-religious lyrics are mixed with historical observations and alien fantasies, as well as some social criticism. And I like it, packing some constructive and serious lyricism and not just hailing Satan like many other bands.
Justified genocide is definitely one of the most violent and powerful thrash albums I’ve ever heard. A highly recommended buy!

Tracklist:
01. They feed on fear
02. Destruction.Chaos.Creation
03. The devil’s triangle
04. March of the infidels
05. Justified genocide
06. The netherworld
07. Dawn of eternity
08. Apostles of damnation
09. Upwards spiritual evolution
10. And Jesus wept
11. The burning of Sodom