Apocalyptic Rhymes is the sophomore release on Cruz Del Sur for German thrashers Septagon, and it's a solid, if unspectacular release that has its moments but fails to generate the kind of heat that will separate the band from the already crowded thrash metal pack. Melody is the key here, most of the tunes containing a fair share of hooks as the band take their style from the US Bay Area legends such as Metallica, Megadeth, and Testament. Markus Becker has a very strong voice, and though he can do the Dave Mustaine styled snarl when he wants to, as he does so well on the rampaging "Home, Sweet Hell", more often than not he displays an upper register progressive metal shriek that is a pleasure to listen to. Tasty twin guitar harmonies abound courtesy of Markus Ullrich & Stef Binnig-Gollub, and of the more riffy numbers, the title track, "Make a Stand", "The Unfathomable Evil", and "Cosmic Outrage" are easy highlights with a swirling dual guitar attack primed with muscle and a busy rhythm section.
As enjoyable as much of Apocalyptic Rhymes is, there's nothing here that just screams upper echelon thrash, but if you are ok with that, Septagon have put together a fun metal album that has some very solid guitar work and superb vocals. Oh yeah, the cover art is damn cool too!
Track Listing
1. The End
2. The Weight of the World
3. Home, Sweet Hell
4. Apocalyptic Rhymes
5. Make a Stand
6. The Unfathomable Evil
7. P.O.T.U.S.A.
8. Cosmic Outrage
9. Nothingness Awaits
10. Sunset Blood
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