The Scourger is a thrash metal five-some that hail from metal-nation Finland, where they have already done their damage. Top position in the Finnish single chart and beating Slayer in that same chart with their Maximum Violence single later in the year. Now they are ready to deliver the world a Blind Date With Violence.

From that intro you can already tell that this band has made a big impact on the Finnish metal scene. Containing ex-members of other Finnish bands like Gandalf, The Wake and Divine Decay, this band is out to destroy and conquer. And that’s just how they sound. Ferocious thrash attacks with the occasional relentless breakdown accompanied by a harsh screaming voice and skull crushing drums are in abundance on this disc.

 

Although their thrash sounds very Scandinavian, the vocalist somehow reminds me of The Agony Scene at times. He does fit the music perfectly, and I must say that I quite enjoy the album overall. The nine tracks offer some interesting hooks, nothing really original of course. The band able to do that with thrash metal deserves a Nobel prize or something. Perhaps an Oscar even. But the thing is that I have difficulties sitting still while listening to Blind Date With Violence, and that’s just what thrash metal should provoke.

 

This version of the album contains seven bonus tracks besides the nine official ones, that are a nice addition to the album. We have two covers, Slayer’s ‘Ghosts Of War’ (please never cover Slayer and put it on your album) and Testament’s ‘Over The Wall’. Then there also are three live tracks that really capture the energy of the band and two extra tracks. Add all of this together and you have yourself a highly enjoyable thrash release. To say that we have a new sensation upon us is a bit early for me, but time will show us what The Scourger has in store for us. For now, if you’re planning a blind date, make sure it is one with violence.