HELLBRINGER

A little thrash ain't gonna hurt no one...right? Australia's HELLBRINGER deliver thrash metal of the highest order, in which they successfully encompass all styles (Bay Area, East Coast, German, etc.) into one. The band, formerly known as Forgery, go from Destruction (outfitted with Schmier-like shrieks) on "The Rapture" to some East Coast, Demolition Hammer-ish style on "The Hammer" to all-out South American on "The Banished". Old-school Sepultura fans take note. To further add to their credibility, their debut EP was mixed by none other than Harris Johns. This guy has mixed Coroner, Exumer, Kreator...you know, the thrash greats. If those 3 tracks mean anything, we might see a potential re-revitalization of thrash metal - with these guys sitting on top. Yep, L.A.'s pretty much run its course.

Oh, and I love how they don't have a logo yet.

EDIT: Josh of Hellbringer has informed me that the EP is still under the Forgery name. Just a little heads up!

TYRANT

No, this is not the same Tyrant from Sweden (obviously?)... this is the ultra-obscure heavy metal TYRANT from Australia, formed in 1982! Since forming, they put out one EP in '84 and their first LP didn't surface until 2000. Talk about a comeback.

To be honest, I'm not too familiar with their music but their latest demo track from their upcoming album is fucking killer! I'm shocked that it's listed as a "demo" since it sounds amazing. Not polished and clean-sounding like their peers and the other songs have a real 80's arena-metal feel which is awesome. Seems like time and modern trends do not affect these Aussies - much respect to them!

Check these dudes out now - summer is creeping in slowly but surely, and what's better than partying with awesome 80's metal? I thought so.