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Vio-Lence Leads A Thrash Metal Charge In London With Exhorder And Kuazar

Even the legends still have first times for everything. When thrash metal exploded onto the scene in the 1980s to take on the wretched plague of glam, many of the American names were able to cross the pond and perform in Europe, including Britain, who themselves wanted either an evolution of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, or an alternative to the synthpop that dominated the airwaves. Of course, the Bay Area was one of the two main homes for American thrash, along with the East Coast, and it gave the world such groups as Metallica, Megadeth and of course, Vio-Lence, whose debut album, "Eternal Nightmare" is still considered a classic of the genre to this day. In 1990, they would release their sophomore full length, "Oppressing The Masses" and now, thirty five years later, Sean Killian and co. marked the occasion with their first headlining tour of the UK and Ireland, along with other European dates, and they had some very impressive company joining them.

All too often, unknown openers are dismissed, especially when it comes to a weekday show and people are debating whether to stop home on their way from work or whatever, but those who got to the show on time today were able to witness history. Tonight's curtain jerkers were Kuazar, who were not only performing their first show in London too, but became the first metal band from Paraguay to perform in the UK. While it's always cool to be a part of history, the big question is, are they actually any good? Well, yes, demonstrably so. Kuazar are clearly very proud of their homeland, and the South American nation couldn't have picked better ambassadors for their metal scene.

The trio boasts a very impressive catalogue, with material from their most recent album, "Hybrid Power," proving particularly impressive. "Obscure & Violent" sounded fantastic, while the other tracks had more of a story behind them, such as the call for mental health support and anti-suicide anthem, "Silence," as well as the rousing "Machete Che Pope (Acosta Ñu,)" a song about the horrific slaughter of children in their homeland. Musically, they're very much at home on a thrash bill, but there's a bit more to them than that, offering some heavy grooves and pummeling rhythms, along with an intense stage presence that invites everyone around them to come closer, which they did very quickly. This was one of the most impressive openers I've seen for a while and I hope they're able to return to Europe soon.

Following this pleasant surprise, we have our first of two legendary bands. New Orleans may be famous for jazz music but metal fans will be happy to tell you that the city, and the state of Louisiana, has also given birth to some of America's best and most influential groups in heavy music, many of whom will start their list with Exhorder. The quartet are still promoting their fourth album, "Defectum Omnium," which was released last year to mostly positive reviews and groove metal pioneers can be very proud of their latest effort. In fact, they clearly are since they played three songs ("Year Of The Goat," "The Tale Of Unsound Minds" and "Forever And Beyond Despair,") from the record, as many they performed from their seminal debut, "Slaughter In The Vatican."

Vocalist Kyle Thomas, who since 2022 has also been performing rhythm guitar, alongside former Cannibal Corpse axe man Pat O'Brien, is a very natural frontman, who effortlessly endears himself to the crowd without having to go over the top, precisely the kind of frontman Britain likes to be honest. He was easily able to rouse the audience with sarcastic quips or little asides, such as when he dedicated "Unforgiven," the only selection from their second album, "The Law," to people who would be on church come Easter Sunday claiming to be devout Christians, but won't step foot in there again until Christmas day. The aforementioned cuts from "Slaughter In The Vatican" were very well received in a set full of excellent performances, with "Death In Vain" coming after "Unforgiven," before they closed the set with "Exhorder" and "Desecrator." Fans clamoured for Exhorder to return for a long time and while they've faced some challenges, it's been a solid return, with the new albums offering just as much as the original two, and the band proving they're still an essential live act.

Much like Exhorder, for a long time, a Vio-Lence return seemed unlikely, for numerous reasons. There have been a few false dawns since 2001, performing a show here and there and releasing a DVD in 2006. Vocalist Sean Killian would go on to face horrendous health issues, being diagnosed with stage 4 liver cirrhosis and members of the band would reunite for a benefit show for their comrade, along with other thrash legends. Killian would go on to make an incredible recovery and now he's keeping the band alive as the only official member. Fans in attendance will happily tell you though that he's recruited very strongly in a short space of time though, rounding out the Vio-Lence lineup with Possessed guitarist Claudeous Creamer, drummer Nick Souza (sone of former Exodus singer Zetro,) bass player Jeff Salgado and veteran guitar player Ira Black.

As the introduction alluded to, "Oppressing The Masses" was the order of the day, and the band performed every song from the album, but not in order, which is frankly refreshing, as playing an album as fans know it has always begged the question; why not just listen to the album? That being said, "Eternal Nightmare" was the only other release which the band visited, something of a surprise considering they released a new EP, "Let The World Burn" only a few years ago and one would think they'd like to represent new material after fans demanding it for so long. The five songs from "Eternal Nightmare" mostly grouped together too, but regardless of the order, it was still a thrill to hear the likes of "Kill On Command" and "Calling In The Coroner" live.

For someone who's endured so much, it has to be said that Sean Killian still has an incredible voice. The man is now in his sixties and still sounds like he's twenty four, which helps keep the youthful exuberance and snotty punk attitude of the music alive. He's still keen on keeping the reputation of a Vio-Lence show strong too, directing the mosh pits and encouraging fans to go as crazy as they can. He cuts a formidable presence, while his team performs the classics and deep cuts with absolute precision and intensity, leading up to the final number, "World In A World," which sounds as good as ever. Again, fans hoped for years to hear these songs again, or indeed for the first time, live, and I would urge all who ever have ever wanted to see Vio-Lence to do exactly that. Seek them out, go and watch them, and prepare to get thrased.