AlterMusic

Exactly one year after their debut, German modern thrash metallers FACE DOWN HERO return with their second full-length released through Yonah Records. Where all this Anger Grows was recorded at the Gernhart Studios during August/September 2007 by Martin Buchwalter (SAMAEL, SUIDAKRA, ELVENKING), and features once again great conceptual artwork by Kai Swillus (METAL CHURCH, HOLY MOSES). Evidently, Face Down Hero are heavily influenced by the second wave (mid-80's) of Bay Area thrash metal scene - led by Testament, Death Angel, Forbidden and Heathen. Face Down Hero’s art features long and harmonically and rhythmically complex songs, with often neo-classical styled lead guitar highlighting the songs. Furthermore, Face Down Hero incorporate elements from the NWOBHM scene in a very clever way, which in the end results in enjoyable melodic thrash metal anthems, that are dominated by powerful vocal styles and semi-aggressive guitars.

Face Down Hero don’t front a violent form of thrash that are thrown at you at 100 miles-per-hour, but instead keep on honing a kind of thrash that is heavy and blunt and smacks you round the head. Occasional groove-laden parts and shrieking leads make me think of Machine Head and Pantera, which is especially true for the two opening tracks. Groovy guitars kick off Bursting Evolution after a very melodic intro, before Kali Naumann’s dominant clean vocals keep the song alive for a while, until it explodes into an onslaught of viciously beautiful and rich Maiden-influenced guitar harmonies. Brace yourself for Copycat Effect; this is not for the faint of heart. Front man Kali Naumann shrieks and wails with frightening authority, matched only by guitarists Jens Kelschenbach's and Kali Naumann’s blend of crunchy rhythm lines and nimble lead riffs. Half way into the song, the guitars slows down, only to introduce yet again some amazing harmonies and a wickedly executed guitar solo.

Face Down Hero represent the next generation of modern thrash/heavy metal. Their songwriting takes a more progressive approach and the punk influence that was once crucial to the first wave of Bay Area Thrash genre is completely absent. Face Down Hero are expanding on the more technical and progressive style of the Second Wave bands, and combined with highly enjoyable melodic riffs and harmonies they represent a kind of metal that I truly adore. Bear in mind though, that Kali Naumann’s voice is an acquired taste and you will end up either loving or hating his distinct vocal lines.