This debut album from Dutch 5-piece Demia is clearly in the better end of the releases I’ve heard so far this year, with a solid mix of hard and groovy (neo-)thrash, and some melodic metalcore.

Generally the numbers have a very good drive, and most of them melodic inputs or parts that give some variation and makes the album flow nicely, for example the opener Phantom Limbs has an aggressive and groovy thrash verse with a typical metalcore chorus. Not bad for someone like me, who likes both styles.

Demia just finished an almost month long European tour supporting Pro Pain, so they already now has a certain status and experience on the scene.

It’s obvious that this album is produced (as well as mixed and mastered) by Logan Mader – Demia has a very similar sound to Machine Head, especially in their thrashy parts, but also draws on inspiration from older thrash bands like Testament and Sepultura.

The vocals of singer Yoav are mostly the typical “distorted” shouting of the harder thrash, but at the same time, he has a good melodic voice, that broadens the vocal picture of the album.

The performance of the other musicians is at a technical level that ensures the sure flow of the numbers and the album as a whole.

This is a solid piece of thrash metal with a melodic touch, but nothing really ground breaking. If you’re a fan of Machine Head, Chimaira and/or Caliban, or simply a genuine thrash-lover, the message is simple: be sure to check this out.

Recommended tracks: Phantom Limbs, Sweet Salivation, Flaw The Immaculate and Below, just to mention a few.