Havok – Time Is Up (2011)
Call it thrash. Call it hard. Call it heavy. Whatever you call it, Havok’s Time Is Up can best be described as a powerful heavy metal trip of fun. Upon hearing the opening drumbeats of “Prepare For Attack,” it’s obvious that something special, heavy, and hard is going to be displayed for the next 30 plus minutes. Blending bits of Anthrax, Megadeth, Metallica, and hard core punk, Havok is a delightful kick to the midsection of heavy metal mayhem. Their sophomore album, Time Is Up proves that beyond a shadow of a doubt.
The guitar work of Reece Scruggs is some of the most brilliant finger picking that I’ve heard on a metal record. The clarity of the notes at the speed he performs is mesmerizing. Undoubtedly the most stand out member (musically) of the group, Scruggs really takes guitar playing to the upper echelon of fantastic. I could sit and listen to him play all day long.
“No Amnesty” starts off with a strange sound effect before the drums and guitars kick in like the cops busting up a wild party. The pacing is unbelievable and it’s a true wonder how drummer Pete Webber’s arms don’t fall off while pounding the skins for this song. If you’ve been searching for something to bang your head hard to while thrusting your horns in the air and jumping around like a madman without a mosh pit, “No Amnesty” is the song for you.
“Scumbag In Disguise” is a great ode to those who hide their criticisms behind modern technology like Twitter and Facebook. While it could also be an ode to critics who have nothing positive to say, the message in “Scumbag In Disguise” is clear—if you’re a troll, no one cares what you have to say. With sharp, biting lyrics surrounded by an outstanding Reece Scruggs guitar solo, this is one of the best tracks on Time Is Up.
The dark, ominous intro of “The Cleric” sets the stage for the greatness that follows. If Iron Maiden were to release a thrash song, it would sound like “The Cleric.” This is the darkest (and perhaps the strongest) song on Time Is Up. The deeper meaning of the lyrics is clear once you are able to get past the fantastic music. It’s obvious that Sanchez is writing about certain world leaders and corporate CEOs. The message that their greed will do them in at the end is plain. Sung with a bit of anger, “The Cleric” is a superb song that plays to all the strengths of this band.
If you like your metal hard, heavy, and fast, then Havok’s Time Is Up is the record for you. Filled with raw power, thundering drums, and blistering guitar work, Time Is Up is one of the coolest records to come out this year. It’s fist pumping, metal screaming rock at its finest and it’s now available for your ears to enjoy exclusively.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
- Prepare For Attack
- Fatal Intervention
- No Amnesty
- D.O.A.
- Covering Fire
- Killing Tendencies
- Scumbag In Disguise
- The Cleric
- Out Of My Way
- Time Is Up
Havok Is:
David Sanchez – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Reece Scruggs – Lead Guitar
Jesse De Los Santos – Bass Guitar
Pete Webber – Drums
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