Major lineup changes to veteran acts can signal an altering of approach or tactics – especially in the metal realm. Italian thrash band Game Over faces this crossroads – losing vocalist/bassist Renato Chiccoli after releasing a killer album in 2023 Hellframes, expanding their lineup from a four-piece to five with the addition of vocalist Danny Schiavina and bassist Leonardo Molinari. Which means a higher level of inspection (or attention) will be placed on this material that comprises the sixth studio album Face the End – delivering ten tracks in a rather economical thirty-three minutes plus playback time. Have no fear headbangers, as these gentlemen keep their eyes on a melodic thrash montage equally engaging on sinister main vocal presence backed by potent gang-like support, catchy guitar riffs / lead breaks, as well as thoughtful rhythm section work pounding to bring everything home.
Smart pacing maintains longer dynamic interest – as bands of this ilk need to know when to press the accelerator full force, then lay back into a bit more of a mid-tempo, anthem-like arrangement to allow people to catch their collective breaths going into the next crunchy/speed track. It’s why a song like “Lost in Disgrace” stands out for its late 80s Metallica meets early 90s Death Angel/Heathen-like elements – the volley hits between clean passages, tight as a whip gallop-induced riffs and subsequent cultural, circular lead break build ups worth the price of admission alone between guitarists Luca Zironi and Alessandro Sansone. Early on the double salvo from “Lust for Blood” and “Neck Breaking Dance” roars in that traditional Exodus, Metallica, and Testament mold, yet the chorus work in both screams from a more skateboard, crossover culture that put Suicidal Tendencies on the map.
The biggest difference of course comes from the vocal approach that Danny possesses that drastically differs from Renato. Danny delivers his words from a deeper resonance that is still catchy, yet contains a depth of emotion that has a bit more of an Eric AK / John Bush presence to take “Gateway to Infinity” into an almost commercial landscape through his note choices and harmony abilities. “Tempesta” is one of two short instrumentals designed to calm the proceedings, setting the stage for the longest track “Crimson Waves” at just over five-minutes a dynamic ballad fueled by moody, muscular twists, a song that could be a future setlist favorite.
Returning producer Simone Mularoni at Domination Studio retains the proper fist to face sound we want from thrash metal – elevating the key hooks to the best positions possible. Face the End will be a turning point in the career for Game Over – hopefully allowing the group to gain better festival slotting, stronger touring opportunities, and the chance to appeal to a multi-generational audience.