HEADHUNTER

Headhunter were formed by current Destruction bassist/vocalist Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer following his first spell with the German thrash legends, which ended in 1989. ‘Parasite Of Society’ is the band's first album since 1994 and is generally quite satisfying. Their sound exudes power and aggression, bringing back fond memories of old school thrash, particularly the melodic side of Slayer and mixes in the heavier elements of NWOBHM. Ignoring the ‘3rd Man Introduction‘, the title track gives the album a solid but unspectacular start. ‘Silverskull’ on the other hand is excellent with Schmuddel's lead guitar being both melodic and memorable and works beautifully following the hooky chorus. The middle section features some very Maidenesque lead guitar and is quite awesome. The disc includes a good version of Skid Row's ‘18 And Life, which the band play in their own style but do not stray too far away from the original. The Judas Priest cover, ‘Rapid Fire’, is an impressive but faithful copy that fits in well with the band's overall sound. ‘The Calling’ features a great dumb ass yob chorus, which will probably make it a live favourite. Although ‘Parasite Of Society’ does not have any obvious weaknesses, it does suffer from a degree of repetition, which may lead to the listener losing interest in parts of the album. However, ‘Parasite Of Society’ goes for the jugular and should appeal to many diehard metal fans.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

AFM Records

Album

PARASITE OF SOCIETY

Review by Dave Crewe

RUNNING TIME:

50:28

RELEASE DATE:

23rd May 2008

TRACK LISTING

1) 3rd Man Introduction
2) Parasite Of Society
3) Silverskull
4) Remission
5) Doomsday For The Prayer
6) 18 And Life
7) Read My Lips
8) Backs To The Wall
9) Egomaniac
10) The Calling
11) Payback Time
12) Rapid Fire

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

Germany

"Their sound exudes power and aggression, bringing back fond memories of old school thrash, particularly the melodic side of Slayer and mixes in the heavier elements of NWOBHM."