### Thanatos: Justified genocide

#### 02/04/09 || Kampfar

Thanatos is said to be the first Dutch band ever to perform what we today – and probably more so back in ’84 – think of as extreme metal. If, however, I state this to be an undeniable fact, well, then I’m pretty sure an idiot (or two) will dig up one that collectively overdosed on crack-cocaine in midst of recording their first demo. A band so cult, that H.P. Lovecraft, if still alive, could’ve spun stories around them forever and ever. So I won’t. But before I get on with the actual review, I’d like you to know that them here Dutch bastards visited Greek mythology before naming their ensemble, Thanatos of course being a fucking Wargod.

I’m in love with all Wargods – male, female, shemale, it doesn’t matter, my stiffy is for all – and, even though I know it is futile, I at times close my eyes and beg of them to bring total death and misery upon us. I specifically wish for every member of mankind to be met by a hail of bullets, ASAP, which fluently brings me over to the part of this review making some sort of sense. See, half of the members in Tannkost, that being 2, are to be found in Hail Of Bullets, a fucking excellent death combo if there ever was one. In other words, “Justified genocide” being a fine affair came as no surprise at all.

Speaking about surprises. On this album there is circa none, circa as in none at all, but it doesn’t matter much. Why not, you may wonder, and I’ll of course provide you with the cancer. Simple really, here is 100% dedication, a dedication that results in a satisfying stream of energy, an energy that could very well be labeled deaththrash. So I Scooby Dooby Doo. Fuck you. I’m indeed very tough, but you also need to know that a total lack of what-the-fucks? doesn’t amount to no variation whatsoever. Fucking far from, ya’ goddamned 1/10 wit, for on “Justified genocide” you’ll not only be treated to blasts aplenty, oh no, here is also entire songs belonging in heavyland, and of course also breakdowns into such territories whenever the blasting gets rough. And yeah, both ear-raping and hands down fine solos are a part of the package, too.

Breathe in, breathe out

The main vocals are a mix between black and thrash, a thrashblackshoutsneer, but you’ll also encounter a grunt or two. Literally, that is. I nonetheless approve, the vocals fit the music very much spot on, so I’ll get to the production already. It’s a fucking good one, loud and nasty I dig, and I also dig that it doesn’t sounds like a textbook job ala the 00’s. In fact, it sounds like something out of the 90’s, and I betcha a ponycunt that this was very much intended. Put simple, the dudes in Thanatos isn’t a bunch of confused twats guessing their music into place.

And again

If you like your death mixed up with thrash, a mix in this instance more violent than catchy, then Thanatos could very well turn out to tickle your tickly bits like it did mine.

Hail Thanatos, but also Odin.

8 out of 10.

- Information
- Released: 2009
- Label: Deity Down Records
- Website: www.thanatos.info
- Band
- Stephan Gebedi: vocals, guitar
- Paul Baayens: guitar
- Marco de Bruin: bass, guitar
- Yuri Rinkel: drums

- Tracklist
- 01. They feed on fear
- 02. Destruction. Chaos. Destruction.
- 03. The devil’s triangle
- 04. March of the infidels
- 05. Justified genocide
- 06. The netherworld
- 07. Dawn of eternity (Massacre cover)
- 08. Apostles of damnation
- 09. Upwards spiritual evolution
- 10. And Jesus wept (‘06)
- 11. The burning of Sodom (‘06)