Since his debut for Antibes in 2012, Swarm has done well. He proposed a first opus in 2017 and has been touring the roads independently. With its groovy thrash, the band has shown a solid face and we expect his new opus, "Anathema", to confirm these beautiful dispositions. The record is dense with one hour of music and several long tracks, confirming a social side engaged in a complicated era.
We find a sound inherited from a Pantera or a Lamb Of God mixed with other influences giving a rich and varied result. 'Frontiers', 'The Deed Is Done' and 'Sputnik Explorer' are at the top of the thrash genre with a remarkable power and a typical groove. There's a hint of metalcore in 'Life On Hold', with its clear and veiled vocals, and 'Legacy Of Misery', which are both catchy and powerful. Fast and mind-blowing, 'Intifada' and 'Five' are worthy of Slayer and show great instrumental punch. On 'Five' and 'The Deed Is Done', we also appreciate the presence of French vocals, which brings a nice extra soul not far from a Lofofora.
'New Sun' which mixes all these influences with a very fast Overkill riff and a typical 90's groove. The track alternates well the ambiences with a pinch of clear vocals and an intense and mastered instrumental part. There is also 'Pyroclastic Flow', an instrumental that closes the album in beauty with a calm beginning, a huge rise in power and always this groove, very present in the riffs and solos. Finally, 'Simple Automata' surprises with its sweet intro and a very pure vocal and then bursts out with the same alternation between calm and raw power.
With "Anathema", Swarm offers a rich and intelligent record which uses in a melting pot all the richness of the thrash scene. With such a convincing opus under their arm, the French band has the weapons to continue on their way in the best possible way.