Bio-Cancer are in the top-3 of my favorite Greek thrash bands, along with Suicidal Angels and Amken. The years we all who listen to them have been waiting for their third full-length were many. Their debut album “Ear Piercing Thrash” came out in 2012, “Tormenting The Innocent” in 2015 and after eight years “Revengeance” is upon us.
An eight-year period that brought Bio-Cancer several changes in their sound. The first two albums had some specific characteristics. Short songs, ultrasonic thrash with the foot permanently on the gas pedal, Lefteris on the mic busting his guts and a lot of gang vocals. It’s no coincidence how they named their debut album, since it described their music perfectly.
Now, however, it is obvious that the band has evolved over the years and this is clearly reflected in “Revengeance”. The songs are longer in length (averaging five and a half minutes), giving them space and time to develop. The speeds alternate between mid and up-tempo moments, but without reaching the frenetic pace of the past. The leads are great, the solos are more frequent, some great melodies make an appearance and generally the guitar work is at least remarkable. The gang vocals have been significantly reduced, so the only thing that has stayed the same is the fury with which Lefteris screams.
The production is also better, giving a more solid and massive sound. So, we have a band that is moving forward with its music and not staying stagnant, putting many new and different pieces in the puzzle. Personally, I wouldn’t mind at all if they kept the same sound patent but it’s always nice to see musicians who don’t get complacent and especially when it produces such a solid result. So, I would say that the Athenian thrashers are reintroduced to us with an excellent new album. Hopefully we won’t have to wait so long for their next work.