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Track Listing: Prepare for Attack Fatal Intervention No Amnesty D.O.A. Covering Fire Killing Tendencies Scumbag in Disguise The Cleric Out of My Way Time Is Up

Denver thrashers Havok are back with the follow-up to their 2009 debut, "Burn". The sophomore album is probably the most important album in a band's career, as it determines whether or not they have lived up to whatever reputation they developed on the strength of their debut. With James Murphy in the producer's chair and Halsey Swain back as the illustrator for the artwork, they have the right support group to back them, and there's every reason to believe that they've come up with a successful album.

The album begins with the very aptly titled "Prepare For Attack" which definitely prepares the listener for the thrash attack that's set to ensue. In terms of the music, the song seems to have continued from where the band left off on the previous album. It has all the elements Havok is known for, and is a good precursor of things to come. The album couldn't have had a better start. "Fatal Intervention" takes it up a notch and is certainly one for the moshpits. Dave Sanchez and Reece Scruggs have laid down their guitar work at blistering pace, an aspect that should be gratefully appreciated by all listeners. The song exudes youthful energy that typifies bands like Havok. "No Amnesty" has an old school Kreator-like feel to it and is one of the most intense tunes on the entire album. When you listen to it, you can really feel its impact as it blows you away.

"D.O.A." is an excellent follow-up to track number 3, and the first reminiscence that comes to my mind is Testament, specially when it comes to Dave's vocals which are very similar to the beast himself, Mr. Chuck Billy. This is an extremely enjoyable tune that has the ability to destroy venues, come future tours. "Covering Fire" is slightly more down-tempo song to begin with, but the guitar solo gives it a huge lift and it settles down into a well-rounded tune. The following track "Killing Tendencies" has a similar tempo to it, and this one gives Dave a chance to show his prowess on the vocals, holding some high notes really well. This one's also different from the rest of the album as it has guitar harmonies of the traditional metal style.

"Scumbag In Disguise" brings back the fast and furious element to the album, and is the most guitar-oriented tune out of all. Enjoyable tunes seamlessly follow one after the other, as is the case with track number 8, "The Cleric". The twin guitar sound gives it a dark ambience. I would say this is the most excellent piece of guitar work they've come up with in their career so far, and it comes as no surprise to me that this is reminiscent of the most technically brilliant thrash band on the planet, Megadeth. "Out Of My Way" is more about the crushingly heavy combination of the riffs and vocals rather than the guitar solos, which is a good thing. The title track "Time Is Up" is another track that has a teutonic thrash flavor to it and I love the bass tone which is very Sodom-like, in addition to everything else of course. It provides the ending that this epic album deserves.

Overall, Havok have emphatically outdone their previous effort and come up with a thrash masterpiece this time around. If you're a thrash fan, you won't regret buying this album and I guarantee that you'll find it hard to remove this from your car stereos and computer playlists. James Murphy has done an excellent job as a producer and as a result, the album sounds polished and crisp.

Along with Tankard's "Vol(l)ume 14", Havok's "Time Is Up" will turn out to be one of the thrash releases of the year. A furiously energetic effort, presenting thrash metal exactly the way it should be. Get this album when it comes out and mosh to some Havok!! \m/