Originally released in 2022 by Unspeakable Axe, the second album from Chile's Critical Defiance, No Life Forms, is getting a vinyl release in 2023 courtesy of Dying Victims Productions. As you might expect from a South American thrash band, Critical Defiance reach back to the '80s for inspiration but not the melodic music that was the rage in 1986. Rather, they have a harsher, more aggressive style that features angry shouts, acrobatic leads, and a whole lot of speed. The guitar work is the star here as the vocals are not bad, but the singer doesn't have much charisma. Lead guitarist Javier Salgado wrings the notes out of his instrument like it is a life-or-death proposition. I am reminded of bands like Sacred Reich and Wargasm when listening to No Life Forms, it has that kind of presence in the room when it is on, but the songwriting doesn't possess the same kind of catchy choruses or memorable riffs that made Surf Nicaragua and Why Play Around? classics. It isn't quite as good as their debut, but is still a solid album, especially if you are into less polished and meaner thrash.
