Album Review: Harlott – Detritus of the Final Age

Harlott’s latest album is a solid tribute to old-school thrash metal

This review was originally published in The Kelowna Daily Courier under the title “Let’s review some metal albums“

Clearly influenced by old-school thrash metal like Slayer and Death Angel, Australian band Harlott’s latest album is a heavy, groovy package that demands to be heard. Detritus of the Final Age is ambitious, and though it doesn’t hit the mark with every song, it’s a solid record from start to finish, and worthwhile for fans of the genre.

Detritus survives on the strength of guitarist Andrew Hudson’s catchy riffs and Glen Trayhern’s relentless drums. “Idol Minded” starts off with a drum breakdown and guitar intro that are bound to make it a live favourite; “Nemesis” makes up for being almost 8 minutes by also including several impossibly catchy riffs and a great chorus; meanwhile, “Slaughter” is classic, brutal thrash in the style of 80s Slayer.
In general, Detritus is very reminiscent of 80s thrash metal. “Grief” and “As We Breach” – with their chunky guitars, existent-but-difficult-to-spot bass parts, and absurdly fast drums – would be right at home on old Metallica and Slayer albums. Similarly, Hudson’s preference to yell rather than sing recalls Metallica’s James Hetfield.

Detritus is an excellent throwback album, with very few downsides. That said, it’s not without fault – “Miserere of the Dead” is much longer than it should be, while “The Time to Kill Is Now” is unremarkable and probably shouldn’t have made it past the demo phase. Ultimately, though, Detritus is promising. Harlott clearly knows how to thrash, and this album ought to get listeners excited for whatever’s next.

6/10