Full-length (2009)
(Reviewer: Paul Bolton)
H.O.D have been well received in the UK thrash scene despite not easily slotting into any given category (ooh err), and with their second full-length album the lads have spewed out another instant classic from their beer and ketchup smeared pieholes. ‘Surge Kill Steal’ takes the debut album and ups everything a notch; NWOBHM that often crosses into full on thrash metal with an emphasis on big, anthem-like choruses delivered with screeching gusto by vocalist Rev D. Catchy fuck-off riffs and shameless solos add to a mix that can’t help but leave a big, dumb grin on your face. The lyrics cover wide-ranging subjects, from a beast made of meat (‘Nightbeast’) and ‘The King of Sweden’ (a song about guitar lord Yngwie Malmsteen) to more typical heavy metal clichés such as ‘Helm’s Deep’. Personally, I prefer it when this horrible set of drunks belt out hilarious beery anthems rather than more traditional power metal-esque fantasies, and the golden quality perhaps sags a bit in the middle of the album with some less memorable tracks. But the production has taken a big step up from ‘Beer, Bitches, Blood’, and the H.O.D you once knew now sound altogether more professional and powerful. There’s no doubt that Warrington’s finest have once again delivered another balls out, top rockin’ album that’s primed and ready for you to utterly ‘Go Apeshit’ to.
