Discriminating metalheads might be put off by AT WARs macho posturing and politics - that’s a rather homoerotic cover, don’t you think? But true believers will find themselves well catered for on this grim comeback opus from an American thrash trio who all but disappeared in the perilous 90’s. Now back with full force, it’s lovely to hear these geezers aren’t showing their age considering the murderous intent lurking behind such violent anthems as Assasins, Make Your Move and Semper Fi. Tackling themes such as current events, politics, and terrorism - those are Osama Bin Laden’s ninja henchmen clutching AK47’s on the cover by the way - AT WAR deliver the goods with an intolerance for trends, preferring to keep matters uncomplicated and straightforward. Listen to their very own history lesson on the rollicking R.A.F., which recounts the exploits of His Majesty’s Royal Air Force then be chilled by the menacing album closer Rapechase.
Domestic issues come to the fore with Want You Dead, a song that takes aim at Islamic extremists assaulting the freedom loving people of the world, and the reproachful Deceit where politicians who capitalize on American war dead are righteously chastised. Yet all is not well in the minds of these military enthusiasts (singer/bassist Paul Arnold is a proud gun owner) as the carnage reaches a fever pitch on the bare bones self named tuned At War and its equally vitriolic cousins Vengeful Eyes and the aforementioned evil of Rapechase.
It’s funny, for a three piece, AT WAR sound bigger than most bands and this despite a brand of thrash that still bears the hallmarks of old school punk an the NWOBHM’s cheesy imagination. A solid album from a bunch of guys who’ve found the inner strength to persevere, Infidel is the musical underdog that will likely float at the bottom of people’s “Year’s Best” lists come January 2010.