Metal Underground.com

It's a long way from the Bay Area to Bahrain — but you'd never know it based on the thrash Motor Militia serves up on its latest album, "Cloaked In Darkness." The disc blends angry thrash sounds with a distinctively Middle Eastern point of view, lyrically, to create a memorable listening experience.

Hisham Shaker and Ahmed Abualkhair's guitars may be mostly reminiscent of western thrash, but there are moments like a solo in "Al Nakba" that are pure Mideast, creating an interesting fusion of sounds. Moments like the opening riff to "Flames Of Oppresion" and the solo in "Through My Dominion" show great technical ability.

Mahmood Abdulghaffar's vocals are of the guttural growl variety mostly, entirely appropriate to the subject matter and style. Lyrically, the album is quite fascinating, with lyrics ranging from the historical siege of Jerusalem in "March Of The Saracens" to a personal plea to God in "From Damnation," the disc's best, most epic track.

The disc's sole misfire is "Cries Of The Innocent," which has an electronica-laced opening and never really goes anywhere after that (though the solo is admittedly good).

Motor Militia's "Cloaked In Darkness" offers thrash anger, combined with thoughtful lyrics, blending Western and Middle Eastern sounds and ideas.