Brothers in Arms
Minsk Security present plenty of heft with no little dexterity on their second full-length record "Reign of Iniquity". There's not a lot of originality on offer but the band are capable of unleashing moments of crushing power. Combining thrash speed with some early '90s groove Minsk Security have fashioned a capable record albeit with little of the melody promised by their press-release.
Opening with 'Chapter II' (not sure what happened to Chapter I) a scratchy guitar and roar fest which gives way to the blistering dual vocal from Marc Reichen and Oliver Scheinder on the lyrically obtuse 'The Prostration' a Machine Head aping blast of granite heavy riffs, nimble lead guitar interplay and gang choruses. The raging guitar work continues on 'Behind Triviality' backed by clattering, groove heavy drums as Minsk Security manage to sound epic without resorting to bloated song lengths. 'Dirge of Men' digs deep for a hulking heavyweight riff and wholly pessimistic outlook: "Illusion and hope go hand in hand/dismay and frustration will disband/hell freezes over before you succeed".
Religious fervour pervades "Reign of Iniquity" as Minsk Security rail against corrupt authority while issuing their call to arms. 'A Life by the Sword' captures this atmosphere on screamed lines like "Stand united, stay fraternal/we the people, proud and eternal" over strident guitars. All of this might not be anything new as they cover ground traversed by bands like God Forbid and Lamb of God on songs like 'Through the Eyes of a Martyr" but Minsk Security are welcome additions to the scene.
There's much enjoyment to be had on "Reign of Iniquity" - righteous misanthropic anger and a consistent level of threat supported by a solid production job from singer Oliver Schneider. They do lack a cutting edge at times making this a promising rather fully realised record but it's satisfyingly heavy and rarely in thrall to fly by night fashions. Plenty to be applauded.