Despite this being the debut album for Damage S.F.P., they are not a new band. Their formation actually dates all the way back to 1989 when they were simply called Damage. They released some well-regarded demos between 1992 and 1996, then they disappeared into the wilds of Finland shortly after. This is all to preface how surprised I am with this comeback even happening in the first place, but if this album is anything to go by, it's a damn good thing it happened.
This trio plays no-frills, aggressive, old-school Thrash Metal that's addicting as hell and doesn't try to do anything besides Thrash: no death growls, no groove, no modern trends, no bullshit. Despite the name change, they sound like a day hasn't gone by since their 1993 demo, which is helped by the fact that of the eleven songs on here, three are taken from that demo, including their breakout hit "Death of Innocent". Thankfully, the new material on here is just as kickass as the old, and songs like "Ruthless Fate", "Tyrants", and "Burst of Rage" bring down the Thrash like an iron hammer while "In Termination" and "Tragedy" show more melodic maturity than most Thrash bothers with and serve as the best songs on the album. Vocalist/guitarist Jarkko Nikkilä sounds like an odd mix of James Hetfield or Villie Laihiala of Sentenced (R.I.P.), and he adds just the right touch of retro Thrash charm without sounding dated in the slightest.
Overall, Damage S.F.P. did exactly what they promised to do and returned to dig down into the roots of testosterone-oozing Thrash Metal, all while doing it with their own wonderful style. In short, they're back, and they're ready to fucking Thrash!
