With killer contributions from young upstarts like Noisem, old but still kinda new upstarts like Iron Reagan, and even the Canadian psychopaths in Besieged, 2013 was a banner year for thrash — despite the fact we’re 25 years past the genre’s best-by date. But in stomps Power Trip, emerging from the hardcore scene to deliver one of the best metal records of the year, handily taking the thrash crown for themselves by delivering what is, in essence, the perfect crossover album. Drawing on the spirit of classic crossover acts like Nuclear Assault and Cro-Mags, and lifting some untouchable riffing (but thankfully none of the vocal tics) from Vio-Lence, Manifest Decimation comes fit to burst with ‘bangable riffs, all in a package so perfectly executed it makes most of their forebears sound puny (with the exception of those Vio-lence riffs — endless respect). I wrote about “Murderer’s Row” back in June, calling it “a pelvic thrust to the skull.” Now I just call it “song of the year.” –Aaron
[LISTEN]