Ireful Agents of Doom CD Review

It's a rare feat in modern metal that a debut album features such undeniable promise for a band. Most bands will release their debut album and there are bits and pieces of greatness and they show some semblance of direction, but ultimately we are left knowing they could do so much more. I have here an extraordinary example of a band that not only comes out with all guns blazing, but upon listening to them you know that they are something special and meant for greatness. I recently ran across Ireful, an Italian thrash group that harnesses all the intensity of 80's thrash like Slayer, Vio-lence, Exodus and Death Angel into a sonic tornado of devastation.

Speaking of Slayer and Exodus, frontman and bassist A. Medusa has the uncanny ability to manipulate his vocals to where he can sound like Tom Araya, Paul Baloff and Zetro. If he could only sound like Rob Dukes he'd hit the hat trick! The opening track, "I, Caligula" has vocals reminiscent of Tom's and the song itself reminds me of something that could have been found on 'Hell Awaits'. The dueling frantic leads makes me feel warm and fuzzy with thoughts of Jeff and Kerry together again. "...And God Will Take its Ones" is just straight gold with its Exodus-esque attitude and has "The Toxic Waltz" vibes. The title track, "Agents of Doom", is where things get pretty interesting in that they combine modern-era thrash with the best of the old school shit that brought me to the party. It opens with some Havok style riffs while highlighting everything done right in the glory days of the Bay Area. 

'Agents of Doom' is a true highlight in the genre especially when it comes to new bands and quality releases over the last few years. Breakneck thrashing? Check. Tasty as fuck riffs? Check. Drumming that would make Dave Lombardo proud? Check. The only disappointing thing is that I discovered this album too late in 2024 because it absolutely would have made my top 10 if I heard it sooner. If you consider yourself to be a self-respecting thrash fan, check out Ireful. It'll be the best decision you make all day.

~TJ