Hawkesbury-based thrash metal practitioners Thraxas! inked an important new chapter in their history last week with the release of their crushing debut single Cthulhu Rising.
Lyrically drawing from the mythos created by iconic horror/fantasy writer H.P. Lovecraft, the track is a gut-heavy ear-stabber of the highest order.
It was recorded at Housefox Studios in Manly by Ryan Miller (of Sydney band Black Rheno) and mastered by Brett Caldas-Lima at Tower Studios in France (recorded/mastered such bands as Megadeth, Anthrax and Chimaira).
At just under five minutes, Cthulhu Rising showcases the 80s thrash influences of the band, from the riffing and powerhouse rhythm, to the Tom Arayaesque scream mid-song.
The clean vocals of frontman Chris "Bull" Woods is a refreshing component of the Thraxas! sound, in a scene that for the most part has become dominated by guttural, inaudible cookie monsters.
There is nothing "try-hard" about these guys - they wear their cred in their approach ... taking the blueprint set by the old schoolers, tweaking it to their design and creating a glorious new four-headed metal beast.
Hailing from Richmond and Windsor and formed in 2012, Thraxas! is: Woods on vocals and lead guitar, Aleks Rad on lead guitar, Dan Andrews on bass and Izak Easterbrook on drums.
Woods and Easterbrook serve as founding members as a live act. Rad joined in 2018 and Andrews earlier this year.
Last year the band released its debut demo, the four track Slave Wages. Tracks like Majestic 12 and Power To The People serve as exciting signs for the future.
The demo was recorded at Windsor's Studio Bleus, impressively in one live track.
Cthulhu Rising represents a definite leap forward for the band, with a shift in sound representing the influences of the new band members.
In their own words, Thraxas! describe themselves as "a perfect blend of thrash and groove metal meshed with tones of Pantera, Exodus, Slayer, Lamb of God and Machinehead" ... definitely an adequate definition of sound.
Supporting the single, the band will embark on a tour which will see them visit Melbourne [Thrashfest later this month] and Brisbane [Nightmare Before Christmas in December].
Locals will get their chance to see the guys at The Royal in Springwood on September 28. They'll be joined on the night by Magma One and Riotchain. The gig starts at 9pm and entry is free.
For a full list of gigs, be sure to check out the band's facebook page facebook.com/Thraxas.
The demo and Cthulhu Rising are available at thraxasband.bandcamp.com
