Formed in Barcelona in 2012, Redshark have been bring the thrash with gusto ever since. Their combination of 1980s rawness alongside classic heavy metal influences has gained them a cult following and this, combined with their hilarious album covers which feature the anthropomorphised Red Shark in various conflicts makes them a band I always look out for. 2021’s compilation Evil Realm was in many respects a marker in the sand, a stop gap, and a summary of how far the band had travelled since their early days.
They’ve settled on a line up which comprises founder member and guitarist Philip Graves, Javier Bono on guitar, Mark Striker on drums, Chris Carrest on bass, and Pau Correas on vocals and after a decade are now able to unleash their first full-length album. It’s Correas who brings the voice and with respect to Graves, who handled the band’s earlier singing, it’s Correas who has the better voice, with shades of Overkill’s Bobby Blitz, allowing Graves to work alongside Bono on the dual axe attack.
Bridging the gap between speed and thrash metal Redshark open Digital Race with an explosive burst of power on “The Drill State”, which is reminiscent of old school Raven circa 1981. It’s a rampant, feral track that combines the best of every member of the band in a glorious slab of nostalgia which is twinned with more contemporaneous metal. It’s a cracking opening and really sets the tone for the rest of the record.
As you navigate your way through the release, you’ll find the likes of Exciter, Metal Church, Judas Priest and Accept within the influences. That to me is a bloody great selection, and “Never Too Late” which follows the opening track is a headbangers joy. There’s a bit of Rainbow in melody, as well as a piece or two of Maiden, especially in the twin guitars.
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Two songs in and it’s a thoroughly enjoyable ride with the effort and ion that the band have poured into the album evident in every song. There are some lovely harmonies on the choruses, whilst Correas holds the attention with a powerful performance.
It may be solid rather than spectacular, but it’s great fun. The muscular title track throwing all the right shapes and sounds. The use of additional effects and synths, such as the interlude called “Arrival” with its space-age sounds bring variation whilst tracks like “Mars Recall”, “The Death Rides” and the power metal vibes of “Burning Angels” are all extremely enjoyable. There’s no fear about combining their influences and mixing genres. There’s even a brave attempt at a ballad, “Pallid Hands” probably the weakest track on this release, although it does feature LG Valeta, guitarist from ‘77 guests with a fabulous Flamenco guitar solo.
It may not get to the top of many lists by the end of 2022, but in of sheer enjoyment, Redshark are already champions.
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Digital Race was released on 25th March
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