Album Review: Atrophy - Asylum
Reviewed by Sam Jones
Well, I don’t see this coming. I practically leapt out of my chair when I saw Atrophy, for the first time thirty-four years, would release a new album. Formed originally as Heresy in 1986, the band changed to sir name to Atrophy a year later and, until 1993, enjoyed a blistering albeit brief career. Their earliest material saw a number of Demos and Splits before they unveiled their first album: 1988’s Socialised Hate. Followed suit soon enough with 1990’s Violent By Nature, a personal favourite of mine, the band would cement themselves as one of thrash metal’s most underrated artists since it was the last thing they released before breaking up. Another brief reunion occurred from 2015 to 2020, though dissipating, then relaunched a year later this time with a completely fresh lineup under longtime frontman Brian Zimmerman. Now, more than thirty years on, Atrophy are poised to unleash their newest album, Asylum via Massacre Records for a March 15th release window. Atrophy have long been one of my all-time favourite thrash bands and so, I was ecstatic to get my hands on this record.
After many decades, I enjoy how Atrophy choose not to begin their comeback record with any considerable fanfare; Asylum starts up with minimal introduction, opting rather to throw us straight into the fire of their songwriting. It’s as if the band wanted to pick up exactly where they left off from, and you definitely get that vibe across since their thrash attack harnesses a decidedly old school aesthetic. Newer thrash acts choose from a plethora of techniques and songwriting styles but Atrophy keep their aesthetic rooted to the earth, putting their faith in the riff and complete devastation their collective performance may impart. While one could say some thrash records play a little faster, it would be folly to completely ignore the strength Atrophy bring to the table since their guitar tone wields this sledgehammer aesthetic. If anything, the slower and more methodical, deliberate approach their riffs assume has given their songwriting a blunter, visceral edge. It’s the kind of riff attack that, even at the beginning, gets new and familiar audiences alike on board.
It’s worth mentioning that Atrophy’s 2024 lineup consists of entirely new members to the band’s history, yet it needs reiterating what a punishing performance these new additions to Atrophy offer. But, ultimately, it’s still original vocalist Brian Zimmerman at the helm of Atrophy leading the way and, after decades, his performance doesn’t wane or weaken. Arguably, the ensuing decades have rendered his vocal cords a coarse and brusque tendency that excellently pairs the riff style the band have applied herein. He manages to impart that familiar snarling, commanding delivery that made him such a competent frontman back in the day but it’s not like the band are having to take caveats in their tempo to adjust to his ageing vocals. Zimmerman still has the intensity and power required to impart the believability into Atrophy’s seething image.
It was always going to be a tall order replacing Tim Kelly from the drums for this record, however I’d state as a proven fact that newcomer to Atrophy, Sage Johnson, having drummed for bands like Master, Kill Command and Exiled, fits seamlessly within Atrophy’s aesthetic. His drumming is half the reason this record comes off with as much bite and attitude as it does, as when he strikes his cymbals they don’t merely crash and dissipate into the nether, but they hit you with an acoustic punch. His drums are far from the peddling force that’ll sit quietly in the back whilst the guitars and vocals have their day, they’re up in your face blasting out one piece after another ensuring you’re never left to wander far from their performance. There may be little double bass action occurring but the mix has applied such a volatile sheen to the kit that even the most humble Tom-tom strikes come off with bludgeoning might.
But there’s something that Atrophy help to embody which newer thrash acts often struggle to apply, and that’s rhythm. I find a great many thrash acts can write fantastic music, the kind that will get your blood pumping and your head banging back and forth, yet Atrophy showcase the importance of rhythm and flow to thrash songwriting. Asylum is littered with songwriting segments where the general pace of their assault drops away, shifts here and there etc. In essence, the band’s rhythm is always changing and doesn’t merely stick to a single approach through tempo or intensity. In doing so, a band, regardless of genre they play with, can write and record any record of varying length since the audience has a greater chance of sticking with it because the album in question possesses an organic wavelength that curves, meanders and rocks naturally. Asylum embodies this idea wondrously as the record is throwing this swathe of strength our way but it never feels rigid or stiff, it’s the kind of songwriting that bounces to and fro between ourselves and what the band are imparting.
In conclusion, Asylum is a worthy follow-up to Socialised Hate and Violent By Nature. After more than three decades we have a new Atrophy album, that alone should be cause for established fans to go wild for this release. As a dear fan myself I came away from this extremely satisfied; it’s abundantly apparent the band put real time and effort into this record, especially when most of the band herein are newcomers to Atrophy’s lineup too. It’s as if time has merely stood still and the band haven’t changed at all; their thrash attack is still as retro and ruthless as it’s ever been and there’s not a doubt in my mind that this will, hopefully, simply be the beginning of a new chapter for the band because it’s been long overdue. I’m simply glad to see Atrophy are alive and well, and clearly in possession of plenty of life. Sometimes a band can return with a new record that it feels lifeless and devoid of passion, Asylum is anything but. A record the band can be proud of. I’ll be sure to give it a few more listens in the near future, guaranteed.
