As is the standard for a genre of music experiencing a particularly high spike of interest, in the expulsion of American '80s thrash metal, Californian thrashers Hirax never accumulated the adoration that they deserved in spite of forming in 1981 under a selection of monikers and releasing their debut album 'Raging Violence' in 1985 - well before other highly acclaimed thrash acts had the limelight shone in their faces.As a result, these Americans are headlining the Black Heart, rather than the Underworld where most '80s thrash troupes find themselves, frustrating considering this this is Hirax's first headlining jaunt to the British Isles.
Formed in 1986, England's own classic thrashers Virus are supporting, originally from Brighton but now situated in London. They released three full-lengths in three consecutive years before embarking on a lengthy hiatus from 1990 to 2008 and the reinvigorated line up has mustered two EPs. Their take on thrash metal refrains from involving any particularly refreshing elements of the genre but it is diligent and sharp, '80s in sound with vocalist Coke Finlay's gruff shouts punctuating the vigour. The Black Heart's sound is bleary and blurs some of Virus' sharper elements but those watching the supports seem to enjoy the enthusiasm of the band members.
The final support act is Necroriser originally from South America but now based in London. Formed in 2007 and releasing their debut album 'Violent' in 2013, their take on thrash metal is somewhat dirtier in sound than the previous act with some death metal elements evoking Sepultura and roughing up their thrash approach. This death metal leaning marks them apart from the ordinary retro thrash fare by focussing on a road less travelled but songs struggle to engineer unique identities for themselves. Although Necrosiser are nothing to write home about, for a live outing such as this one supporting a thrash legend, they do whet the appetite commendably and the beer-stained punters offer a solid ovation at the conclusion of each track.
The Black Heart is nowhere near as deservedly rammed as it should be for the iconic headliners Hirax. The quartet explode on stage in classic thrash metal fury with frontman Katon W. de Pena's bombastic stage presence unhindered by the tiny stage of the Black Heart. The audience is instantly enthralled in the thrash assault as the Californians detonate a setlist that honours the entirety of their discography although there is a stronger stress on post-reunion albums. Older frenetic anthems such as 'Hate, Fear and Power', and 'Destroy' with unconventional drum patterns are hastily devoured by the fans shoulder-to-shoulder with newer titles including 'Hostile Territory', 'Baptized by Fire' and 'El Diablo Negro'. Last year saw the release of 'Immortal Legacy' and the inclusion of 'Black Smoke', 'Earthshaker' and 'Hellion Rising' sound more like orthodox modern thrash metal, cleaner in sound and less scrappy than the '80s material. De Pena's vocals remain as poignant as their recorded early counterparts, still retaining his Bobby Blitz influence. With each song performed with electrifying energy and sincere enthusiasm rare for an '80s act, Hirax execute an outstanding performance, even dedicating a song to the late Jesse Pintado of Terrorizer and Napalm Death fame and a beloved Hirax fan since the early days.
When the set wraps up, the audience chant for more and soon enough the Americans return to their stage for the short but sharp 'Bombs of Death', much to the fans' appreciation (some of whom had been shouting out for this song to be played earlier in the set). Solidly performed, it packs a punch with its brevity and wraps the set up sublimely. De Pena advises the audience to stick around to hang out with the band afterwards, which many of them do and gratefully, all of the band members take the time to chat and take photos with all those interested. Hirax are nothing short of a class act, still as enthused by metal in 2015as when they first began and deserve so much more, particularly from a large city like London but those who witnessed tonight's proceedings undoubtedly loved every second.
FUTURE GIGS
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