The Canadian metal scene has blossomed beyond Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver in the current era. Hailing from Edmonton, Alberta we have Tymo before us, a four-piece thrash outfit now on their third album with The Art of a Maniac, aiming to bridge a love of the old school scene with occasional new philosophy aspects to keep these songs energetic and engaging. Intertwining themes of social media abuse, fighting mental illness, and mass murderers with a love of aliens and Rick & Morty, this is a quick hitting assault that delivers plenty of punch, ideal transitions, and potent rhythms/lead play for even the newcomers to incessantly headbang and throw themselves about.
Simulating the sound of a needle hitting a static-infused record, the opening instrumental “Tymonicide” showcases a bevy of twin-guitar tricks and a little shredding along with steady mid-tempo rhythm section changes, embracing textures of old Megadeth and Annihilator. This sets the stage for “Sanity Clause”, where you hear the acidic, spitfire vocal roar of guitarist Tim Tymo, sitting in between the old school and new breed for delivery, passion, and versatility. The exemplary axe skills from Nick Schwartz along with Tim are on full display throughout – unafraid to inject the right whammy bar trick or arpeggio-laced sequence at any time, making “Mars Attacks” and the title track instant head turners. Never ignoring the thicker bass ethics that can signal the right mood shift (check out the mid-section of “The Roy Parsons Project” in this regard), you’ll also get solid fill-work from drummer Marc Durie beyond his fleet hands/feet for the meat of these tracks. Gang-vocals punctuate key choruses, and the jazzy/groovy nature to “Age of Deception” proves Tymo aren’t a one-trick act when it comes to thrash, reaching into a comfortable interplay as musicians that separates them from the pack.
The Bob Ross-oriented painter setting a futuristic scene from Andrei Bouzikov ties up The Art of a Maniac’s contents like a thrash record should. Those into the work of Lich King, older Megadeth, and Exodus could easily enjoy and savor Tymo.