Hirax is back to bring the thrash.

After a missed step on their previous record, Immortal Legacy is Hirax returning to the form that we have come to expect from the old school thrashers. For those unfamiliar with Hirax, don’t let the fact that this is only their fifth album since 1984 fool you. These Californians have been raising the thrash flag with an almost inhuman consistency for thirty years (sans the previously mentioned last album) and Immortal Legacy is the exact fucking title to celebrate their fifth album and thirtieth year as one of underground’s best bands.

For the majority of thrashers, there should never be a question about whether or not to purchase and consume Immortal Legacy as quickly as possible. Once again, Katon W. De Pena and company produce some top of the line Bay Area style thrash with enough piss and vinegar to make most newer bands a third of their age hang their heads in shame. The band delivers track after track of memorable and effective melody driven thrash like it’s second nature here and the results are impressive to say the least.

Performance wise, Hirax are at the top of their game on Immortal Legacy. The guitars ably bounce from galloping rhythms on “Victims of the Dead” to shredding leads like the “Earthshaker” interlude. Katon W. De Pena once again takes the listener for an old school ride as he whips out some soaring notes and melodic flourishes to slather the music with insanely catchy choruses. Just tell me that you don’t want to start fist pumping and singing along with the opening of “Hellion Rising.” If you don’t want to celebrate that, then I’m taking your metalhead card away. Seriously, I will tear it up right in front of you.

While there are imitators in the thrash revival movement who try and recapture the Bay Area thrash sound, one only has to listen to Immortal Legacy to get the true thing. It’s old school in its rough production and melodic tinged thrash style, but it’s also utterly fulfilling and memorable throughout. Thus proving that once again Hirax are one of the best thrash bands in existence today. Thrashers are going to want to get their moshing mitts on Immortal Legacy as soon as possible.