Any modern work of thrash metal that can stand out and intrigue in any form is something that immediately deserves to be regarded as a creation that's a clear cut above much of what the modern rabble are able to bring to the table. It can easily feel as though the thrash scene as we know it today is stale and stuck in its old days without any sign of growth or experimentation as many are not much more than unfortunate knockoffs of household names. Even so, talent rises. Through the muck and above obscurity do compelling acts find a foothold to make their claim to recognition. With its first effort, Xion poises to start things out on a high note.
Even though I cannot sit here and make any sort of claims that Xion has crafted a truly exceptional experience that truly embodies the values and concepts of thrash metal from top to bottom, there's no way for me to deny the ferocity behind all that has gone into "Between Shadows and Gods". A record that is very clearly inspired by much of those very thrash names we all know right off the top of our heads, it would be remiss of any of us to even dare insinuate that Xion has missed their mark in any form throughout the work. We've seen bands come around several albums into their own runs that feel viciously uninspired and outright boring for every intent, yet it is here with their first proper effort that Xion sets the stage for their own run to be quite different even if "Between Shadows and Gods" is so very par for the course of what we consider thrash metal to be able to bring forth. I would've like to have seen Xion go for something even slightly different to really show what they're able to throw down, but that's not what they wanted to do as it's in every given track of this record that Xion shows off a tremendous respect and understanding of their inspiring material to the point that this work feels downright invigorating and flavor in oftentimes very small ways to show us that Xion is not just another copy-and-paste thrash act for us to roll our eyes at. Rather, Xion walks the line of immense reverence and blatant mimicry to come out on top with a performance that certainly leaves plenty of room for growth and aggressive domination whenever they deign to return.
Very easily could "Between Shadows and Gods" gone down as another one-dimensional creation riding on the coattails of those legends we all grew up with, but Xion was determined to deliver an experience that is as much an homage to those great names whilst beginning to carve their own path through the world of thrash metal. The stage for the future is set and "Between Shadows and Gods" certainly puts Xion on a favorable light concerning the rise of a name we can hopefully rely on. Xion merely needs to seize the opportunity.
LISTEN to "Between Shadows and Gods" on Bandcamp here.
LIKE Xion on Facebook here.
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