Album Review: Beekeeper - Slaves To The Nothing
Reviewed by Paul Hutchings
Swarming at you from San Diego, the debut album from Beekeeper is 33 minutes of frenetic thrash metal, which might provoke anaphylaxis should you get too close. For a trio, it’s a hive of industry from the opening sting of ‘Vargas’, which introduces the listener to the queen of the band, Ally Levine, who not only buzzes ferociously with her guitar work but delivers a vocal performance that genuinely sounds like a hybrid of Tom Araya, Chuck Schuldiner and Sabina Classen.
It’s no surprise to see the band’s influences include Death, Slayer and Sepultura because they, and especially early Death are clearly evident from start to finish. ‘Subservient Submission’, ‘Vegeta’ and ‘Picket Fence Death Night’ are all strong, fiery and songs that any self-respecting thrash fan should appreciate. It’s brutal stuff, with Levine allowed to fly thanks to the blistering engine room of drummer Dylan Marks and bassist Adam Wollach.
The songs are short and sweet, ranging from the blistering violence of ‘Kamel Krusher’ at just over a minute to the bombastic album closer ‘Trials of the Shredder’. It’s seriously intense, dangerous, and powerful stuff although at times Levine’s forays into the vocal style of John Cyriis are a little challenging. Her waspish rasping working better.
Originally released in 2017, ‘Slaves to the Nothing’ has now been prepared for a vinyl release. It’s a raw yet addictive record, with underlying melody to balance the relentless swarming assault. Certainly, one that should leave thrash fans buzzing after a few plays.
Pick up a copy of the album on vinyl here.
