Artist: Iron Reagan
Album: Crossover Ministry
Year: 2017
Rating: 81/100
Don't tell the thrash metal purists this, but despite my respect for thrash's Big Four (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax) I will always have a soft spot for the crossover side of the genre. Splicing thrash metal and hardcore punk, and popularised by the likes of Suicidal Tendencies and D.R.I among others in the 1980s, Iron Reagan are one of its main modern exponents (vocalist Tony Foresta and guitarist Phil "LandPhil" Hall also play in fellow crossover thrashers Municipal Waste). Crossover Ministry is the quintet's third full length effort, and how does it stack up?
The answer: pretty damn well. Of the 18 tracks on offer here, only "Dead With My Friends" clocks in over the three minute mark, with its ethereal piano intro before it deviates back into the band's standard attack. Otherwise, the songs fly by while being long enough for Iron Reagan to get their point across. All the standard thrash metal elements are here; palm muted buzzsaw guitars, beer, the odd bit of politics and plenty of tongue in cheek humour.
Although Iron Reagan may not be doing anything original, Crossover Ministry is an enjoyable piece of work without doubt. It's catchy, fun, beer party crossover thrash metal. Put it on, crank up the volume and enjoy.
Track listing
1. A Dying World
2. You Never Learn
3. Grim Business
4. Dead With My Friends
5. No Sell
6. Condition Evolution
7. Fuck the Neighbors
8. Power of the Skull
9. Crossover Ministry
10. More War
11. Blatant Violence
12. Parents of Tomorrow
13. Bleed the Fifth
14. Megachurch
15. Shame Spiral
16. Dogsnotgods
17. Eat or be Eaten
18. Twist Your Fate
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