Tenet - Sovereign (2009)

What happens when three thrash metal legends get together for old times sake? In this case, something quite exciting. Tenet is the new project of former Exodus vocalist Steve 'Zetro' Souza, Forbidden guitarist Glen Alvelais, and living drum battery Gene Hoglan (Dark Angel, Strapping Young Lad, and a million other bands). Rounding out the roster are SYL/Canadian scenesters Jed Simon and Byron Stroud (appearing on the best metal release of their careers, in my opinion). Tenet basically sounds like what would have happened if Exodus kept 'Zetro' in the lineup and progressed into the future, instead of devolving into the suck that they are now. So, just think of this band as an explosive, slightly more technical Exodus with crisp, slick Forbidden-style riffing! Canada...the new Bay Area?

It's all here, folks, and all in the patented, unrelenting sneer of Zetro's lyrics. The man is simply one of the cruelest sounding frontmen the genre has ever known. The first few tracks "Being and Nothing" and "Indulge Me" like the force from a locomotive as you lean your face over the edge of the rails. Though fueled by passable riffing and Gene Hoglan having a grand ol' time, it's Souza that shines the most. "Crown of Thorns" dials up the asskicking with some gang shouts, rampant riffing and Souza about to give you a fucking coronary. If you can listen to this track without developing the desire to clout the nearest human being over the ears with a pair of bricks, you are doing it wrong. "Unnameable" creates a volley of sledgehammer grooves which sounds wonderfully sinister. The riffs themselves may seem a bit generic here or there, but with this exciting mix and Zetro's infallible energetic bursts of venomous hatred, they take on an entirely new life. Other amazing tracks including the flurry of "Hail! Hail!", the balls out crunch mute rocking of "Going Down" and vengeful slugfest "Watching You Burn".

Sovereign sounds insanely good, with a crisp production to ignite the long dormant fuels of its Bay Area thrash veterans. The leads are intense, the riffing constantly busy (occasionally nearing Artillery levels of prowess, though not as melodic). Whilst modern, this record doesn't miss a single element of what made albums from 80s Exodus, Vio-Lence and Testament so vibrant and memorable. I am glad someone from Exodus still nets a pair of testicles. A great debut, and a great effort from all involved!

Verdict: Win [8.5/10]

http://www.myspace.com/tenetforce