American audiences may not be too familiar with criminally under-appreciated German speed institution Holy Moses, a band unique for two main reasons: having formed way back in 1981, they are most certainly one of the eldest pioneers of thrash metal. Secondly, they are one of the first female-fronted metal bands, and in all likelihood the first one to feature truly harsh vocals from the fairer larynx.
Sabina Classen, she of the guttural snarl and monstrous stage presence, has been the face of Holy Moses since their first year of existence. A tireless and dedicated champion of heavy metal, Classen nevertheless has endured her share of ups and downs. On April 29th, 2014, Holy Moses will be releasing their eleventh studio album, and first since 2008's Agony of Death. Entitled Redefined Mayhem, the new album features a revamped lineup and a recharged attitude. With mixing and engineering duties being handled by Tue Madsen (Dark Tranquility, Moonspell, The Haunted), you might wonder if a band known for rawness and energy will benefit from or be hindered by such a production decision.
During their career, Holy Moses never really turned the corner popularity-wise, enjoying cult status while touring widely through Europe and occasionally through Asia. Virtually unknown in the United States, it is amazing how many people – myself included – back in the day thought Angela Gossow (formerly of Arch Enemy) was the first woman to front a successful band with growling vocals. Sabina Classen was burning up microphones when Angela Gossow was only in grade school. But, as is usually the case with such cult status acts, many more popular musicians will cite Sabina Classen as both an influence and a boundary breaker.
Holy Moses' brand of reckless thrash metal incorporates the influences of early Kreator, Slayer, Destruction, and Sodom. Their past releases have essentially stuck with this formula, though from time to time they have experimented with greater technicality.
Redefined Mayhem begins reliably enough, picking up and storming forth with blistering speed and Sabina's steadfast bark. The more modern production actually doesn't sound that much different from that of 2008's Agony of Death. If you are the kind of person who dislikes slicker productions, you may find yourself yearning for the stripped down menace of yore. But as the first few songs rip forth it is clear that Sabina Classen will never compromise her heaviness nor her dedication to underground metal. "Trigger" and "Undead Dogs" stand shoulder to shoulder with classics like "Current of Death" and "Def Con II" from the elder days.
A heavy, Sneap-like production such as that found on the last few Testament albums is not necessarily a bad thing, especially if certain elements are preserved. Redefined Mayhem is an example of this, and as a result the album can be considered a triumph. Sabina sounds young and angry and downright mean. The guitars bite and the drums sound massive… these are absolutely essential ingredients in thrash, a genre whose progenitors covered virtually every one of its bases before 1990.
For Holy Moses, a band who helped spawn this genre – spearheading their own revival back at the advent of the millennium – it is a challenge to sound as fresh and vibrant as they manage to on Redefined Mayhem. Each song on the album kicks sufficient amounts of ass. The band also incorporates some gang vocal accompaniments to Sabina's verses. This is a touch from punk and hardcore/crossover that I find very effective.
The leads are excellent; just check out the absolutely barnstorming "Whet the Knife" or the equally vehement "Process of Projection." Fresh blood has proven quite beneficial for Holy Moses, as well as the benefit of an extremely yeoman-like frontwoman. Being a vegan who lists her drinks of choice as tea and water has its benefits. Sabina Classen is every bit as energetic in 2014 as she was in 1984. In this way she reminds you of Bruce Dickinson; endless age defying mastery of the craft.
All things considered, Redefined Mayhem is a strong offering from thrash's unsung heroes, remaining hard throughout with absolutely no let-ups or let-downs. A breaking of new ground it is not, but those who sweat denim and bleed leather will get it. The ever changing tapestry of heavy metal is strengthened and preserved by bands like Holy Moses, who know no compromise and suffer no weakening of resolve. Thrash or be thrashed . . .
