When it comes to reviving old school thrash metal, what are your thoughts? If you're one of those who wish it would stay in the past, then Ifreann is not for you. Or, maybe, they're exactly who you should be listening to. This young group from Scotland's whole purpose is to bring back the old school thrash sound to the world, and it doesn't seem as though they plan on slowing down at all. Ifreann formed in mid-2015 and immediately began to work on writing music. After gigging for a time around Edinburgh and Glasgow, and the release of their first two singles, "In Satan We Trust" and "Poisoned Minds," they had a lineup change. Usually this can be looked at as mere growing pains, for better or for worse, and I'd say that if the new release is anything to judge it by I'd say it was for better.
Ifreann released Desecration, their second EP, on February 21st, 2020. It's their first release with the current lineup which is: Vocals - Ian Gil; Guitar - Alina Levanova and Ben Sanders; Bass - Jacob Nicholson; Drums - Euan Henderson. This EP is tight. Track one, "Of Blade and Blackened Wing," kicks things into high gear. Immediately we hear some riffage and then a tasty guitar lick. Ian comes in with a punch on the vocals while the band provides the backing thunder for a headbanging good time. I really enjoyed the layered vocals with the higher screams that Ian adds in a few times as well. Check out the video for the track below!
Track two, "Raised in Hate," has old school vibes for days and the shouts of "raised in hate" gang vocals as well, and I'm a sucker for good gang vocals as long as they're not overdone. Ifreann knows that balance and uses them in a good way. There's also a great bass passage, just in case you'd somehow forgotten about Jacob being there. "Messiah," track three, and "Crushed by Tyranny," the final track, are both thrash, head banging songs as well.
What is it I like the most about Ifreann? I'm glad you asked. Ultimately, it looks as though they're just having a fucking fun time making awesome music with friends. I think that goes a long way, because if the talent and dedication is there, which from this EP it sure seems like it, and you're having a good time bringing that music to the masses, the people will notice. If you're a fan of Testament, Exodus or really any of the classics, be sure to give Ifreann a listen. All I can say is I'm sad I likely won't get out to Scotland anytime soon to see them live.
I'm giving Desecration a 8.5/10
Oh, did I mention they have their EP up for pay what you want on Bandcamp? Throw some scratch their way if you can!