North Carolina metal outfit MEGA COLOSSUS present their 4th album “Showdown”, out 26th January 2024 on Cruz Del Sur Music!

High octane power thrash is on the menu for this latest offering by USA’s MEGA COLOSSUS! Combining a good dose of melody, heaviness and pure metal power the 6 tracks on display here tear through at a ripping pace, keeping you smiling the whole way!

Album opener and album single already out in the wild “Fortune and Glory” sets the pace and style immediately with duelling guitars and cutting riffage. The vocals cut in soon enough though, soaring across with excellent delivery and telling a tale of the legendary Indiana Jones. The guitars never let up with unique riffing and fretboard gymnastics, which is a constant throughout the entire release. This is a real feelgood track, with a nice positive feel. Soon after hearing this track I’m getting notes of FORBIDDEN, Y&T and DRAGONFORCE, a strange mix I’d never thought I’d hear. Make no mistake though, although compatible the stuff here is unique!

2nd track “Outrun Infinity” is a twisting metal masterpiece, the energy here pretty outstanding keeping you surprised throughout. How they maintained the intensity and melody here is certainly impressive! Some singalong moments here, helped by great lyrics that cut through with clarity. Listening closely to the rhythm guitars there’s subtle differences between them, each playing slightly differently to each other to create a huge sound. Again, another impressive solo section that shreds through without being excessive. Notwithstanding the bass guitar which has opportunity to blast here also.

3rd track “Grab The Sun”, dials back the intensity initially but soon cascades into a tech thrash display, clocking in at just over 7 minutes. The riffing here can easily be compared the great VEKTOR or VOIVOD, however the clear vocals set this apart. The many twists and turns drag you along showcasing the furious fretwork of the twin guitars nicely. Despite this insanity, the band maintain the melody and hooks keeping you engaged throughout. The last part of this track is a very classic power metal section, with soaring vocals and uplifting choruses.

Next up is the 4th track “Showdown”. This tracks eases on the speed someone, a mid paced banger that is more straight forward in its approach but still steeped in tuneful phrases. This track has elements of hard rock more than heavy metal, setting a nice contrast. The whole thing is very positive sounding. I’m not entirely sure what the track is about but there’s some interesting lyrics – “I’m gunna fuck your wife” being a standout! Compared the what has preceded before this song, I feel the momentum has dropped here. Its a cool track, but doesn’t match the bar set in the first 3.

The penultimate track “Warden of the Western World” is like a power metal BOSTON! A lot of different dynamics are in play here, showing off all members musicianship. This is a ballad-sequence track, the kind you would imagine filling up a stadium. There’s some nice 80s rock moments mixed in with melodic power metal – an amazing track that sounds fresh and nostalgic simultaneously. A purely catchy chorus leads into a great guitar section, shredding through melodic passages with apparent ease. Clocking in at almost 6 minutes this track doesn’t drag at all, a testament to the awesome songwriting. Finishing the track is a restrained lead harmony which wraps the song up nicely.

Finishing the album is album closer “Take to the Skies” – an uplifting power thrash stormer. The vocals lift and soar throughout, and the unique riffing pulls you ever forward. The leads are so clean and the sublime production of the entire thing just adds even more to the package. What’s evident by now is the band are not trying to mimic any other band which is seen so often these days. It’s easy to draw comparisons but in reality I don’t think I’ve heard anything so stand out in a long time.

Conclusion

Do not be mislead by the stage cover, this album is 100% metal. A fresh take on tried and tested subgenres combined together in glorious fashion creating a very addictive, virtuosly impressive and sharp album which left we wanting more. This is a huge album with a massive amount going on without being cluttered or unfocused, this stuff is razor sharp and fully engaging from the first note to the last.

THENWOTHM Score: 9/10

Links:

https://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/cruzdelsurmusic
https://cruzdelsurmusic.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/cruzdelsurmusic
https://www.facebook.com/colossusmetal
https://www.instagram.com/megacolossus
https://colossusmetal.bandcamp.com