Lifeless - Lifeless
Lifeless is an interesting name for a Thrash band, you'd hope that they'd be anything but lifeless.... Perhaps the name is supposed to be ironic.
Lifeless sit on the fence between crossover and old school thrash, which makes things kind of interesting. Opening track 'Judgement Day' gets off to a slow start, and you can't help but think this self-titled album is going to be a long listen, but Lifeless seem to find their way about half way through the track, and the intensity is taken up a notch or three.
'Crap Tax', 'sXc' and Harder They Fall are all played at an impressive rate. Searing riffs and vocals come charging out of the speakers full throttle, without being overwhelming. The guitar work between Ben and Gordon is great, and there are some marvelous twin guitar explosions to be found on "Lifeless".
The production quality of the record isn't the greatest, it never truly opens up, and sounds kind of muffled, this is especially noticeable in the vocal department. Due to the quality and Nixon's gravely voice, I have no idea what he is saying in any one of their songs, but I know he's angry, at least I think he's angry.
'sXc' is forty seconds of chaos, and short but sweet little track. The stand out for me though is 'Slaughter (Of The Innocent)' the long intro is great, and has a real Slayer like sound to it, musically at least. I do feel this song would be a lot more impressive as an instrumental track, as the vocals drown out the impressive musical talent which is on display.
Overall, "Lifeless" isn't a bad release, there is plenty of potential for the five-piece, who knows, if they sort out the recording quality, they may be able to put Middleborough on the musical map.