I missed out on Infrared in the Eighties, having only discovered them via Lead Singer Armin Kamal's other musical projects (Headview, Dirty Beloved) which were more rock based (though Dirty Beloved's last release was pretty damned heavy!) I was ecstatic to hear he was involved in a Thrash band and that they had reformed! I can honestly say "No Peace" was, for me, one of the most anticipated albums of 2016.
I was introduced to Infrared with their original video for "Thoughts Caught (In Between)" and loved the classic eighties thrash sound. But one could not be nervous that the raw passion might get lost with a re-record. However, much like my concern about when another classic thrash band Varga out of Hamilton, Ontario re-recorded old material for a new generation, it was unfounded.
Infrared's "No Peace" is classic thrash with a hint of heavy metal. Some of the raw edge has been buffed out with a more modern production, but the passion is still there and you can feel the energy of each musician. It is refreshing to hear the sweet rumblings of the bass, that often gets drowned out, without it becoming overbearing. "No Peace" wears like a worn jean jacket that's been decorated with patches of their favourite bands. The music is not trying to emulate any particular band, but the listener is bound to pick up on some influences. That is inevitable.
For me, Infrared's "No Peace" feels like a logical progression from Dirty Beloved's "Brain Bleeder" which was hard rock at it's heaviest. This is mostly due to Armin's distinct vocal style. I do get a young Chuck Billy vibe from Armin at times, though.
No song really stands out for me, but the album flows very smoothly and all the songs are solid. I actually quite like the 2 instrumentals "Inframental" which opens the album with its fast pace and hooky heavy metal vibe and the album closer "In Search Of" which reminds me of Metallica's "Call of Ktulu". "Thoughts Caught (In Between)" is another favourite. It has a killer riff and I can see why the band chose to do a video for this song back in the Eighties.
The downside of the album was the really cliched feel of the song "Cliche" .... ahhh , that was my sad attempt at being funny. "Cliche" is a cool tune.
"No Peace" is an album that is not trying to be anything but what it is. The riffs are confident, the solos are energetic and the rhythm section thunders along reminding us that they are not just the foundation. I can't see how anyone who is a fan of Eighties heavy metal/thrash would not like this.
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