DEATHEXPLOSION

There’s thrash and then there’s thrash, sounds/looks stupid, I know, to me there’s a difference. Thrash can be stuff like Darkest Hour, Soilwork, The Haunted etc. Speedy riff based stuff that tends to avoid the start/stop rhythms of more progressive material and whose guitarists aren’t afraid of ripping lead work. Thrash though, while maintaining the obvious elements, separates itself with the incorporation of more rock leanings. Bands like Slayer, Metallica, Exodus, Sodom thrashed with bullet belts, leather jackets and attitude. Now although this may look like a case of the old vs. the new, and for the most part it is, there are a few exceptions. In this case the exception is The Crown.

The Crown is like thrash defined. Complete attitude, breakneck speeds, biker gear and all out riff madness. They put out a few records in the nineties under the name Crown of Thorns until they dropped the ‘of Thorns’ part. Something to do with Gene Simmons, go figure. Anyway, they pretty much went about their business putting out some solid stuff until 2000 when they released Deathrace King which, most who know the record will agree is a metal high point. Johan Lindstrand’s vocal performance and lyrics are so over the top it’s almost on a comic book level but his delivery is so killer you just can’t help but sing along with whatever ridiculousness he’s growling about.

Everything about this record rules. The vocals are great, the guitars are great and, of course, the drums are great. I mean really, there’s nothing worse than a drum circle and people who call themselves ‘hand drummers’ are people who sucked at every other instrument but desperately want to be known as a musician. Janne Saarenpaa is pretty much a drum circle by himself, but cool. Maybe even a drum festival, absolute chaos.

Here’s Total Satan from Deathrace King. It’s awesome.
The Crown unfortunately broke up after putting out two more albums post Deathrace which was a big loss but they left a huge mark.

Highlight: I DON"T WANT TO GET TO HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!!

Sidenote: There are too many to mention. Guest vocalists, re-recorded albums blah blah blah. All the members have splintered off into new projects, whatever.