Long Island, New York crossover thrash act Extinction A.D. show no signs of slowing down in their quest for world domination. Fortunate to witness the group live a few times over the past years on various local or national opener slots across New England, this fourth album To the Detested contains the right mixture of American/European influences from the 80s to 90s across the thrash, hardcore, and extreme metal platforms. What you’ll hear in the end is a sound that’s diverse, impactful, and catchy – these ten tracks able to travel into the hordes of heavy music fans in a timeless fashion.
Immediately noticeable is the aggressive, raspy roar emanating from the voice of guitarist Rick Jimenez. He has that hardcore-style delivery down pat, along with a voice that reminds this scribe of Robb Flynn to make songs like “Escape From New York” and the low-tuned charger “Shepherding Swine” windmill whirlwind appealers. Also factor in the tight chops of each player, who know when to go for the appropriate gear shift switch or tempo transition to elevate the bounce/groove ascents present from the main musical hooks and you’ll have plenty of moments to brace yourself around. Extreme riffing passages appear in spots of “Behind the Veil of Sanctity” or “Epidemic of Mutation” that assault like a sledgehammer, as if these gentlemen have been studying a good amount of classic Scandinavian death/black metal. They aren’t afraid to inject fluid lead breaks or the occasional special guest as well – Trivium’s Matthew K. Heafy appearing on “Impervious (Unrepentant)”, a surefire mid-tempo anthem that features key vocal/musical buildups and breakdowns, squeals, and impressive double kick work plus progressive hi-hat /snare flexibility courtesy of drummer Mike Sciulara.
A consistent release/ tour onslaught has put Extinction A.D. at the top of their game – fortunately they possess the quality songwriting, production values, and performances to back up their fruitful, creative natural abilities. To the Detested has that universal appeal for those who want in your face modern thrash with those hardcore, death, and black aspects that just galvanize the troops into some headbanging, sweaty, memorable times.