Review of the Album Eradicate... Annihilate... Exterminate... from German Thrash Metal Band Ravager

Ravager is yet another one of those German thrash metal bands that has joined the ranks of bands that can get the job done musically. If you like Exodus, Ravager may be an even better fit for you because these guys combine harsh, high pitched vocals with great riffing. Their debut album called Eradicate… Annihilate… Exterminate… is another one of those albums that lyrically talking about the fact that time is running out on the human race and that the Earth is about to boil over. But let’s focus on the task at hand which is to review an album with a pretty long title. Is this first album better than their second album Thrashletics? That is tough to say and I would say probably not though the music on here is a good start for a German band that is attempting to make a name for themselves in the abundant thrash metal scene.

“Burn the Cross” is about how religion can and has brainwashed people enough and they have been sent off to war and died as a result of their politicians’ actions. Then comes the slower song can make the songs fit in with the grooves of the album then that is good enough. The word “kill” being repeated several times may be the only annoying part about this first song. “Deathbringer” first before it really speeds up has a slower interesting tapping part in it. The vocals are raspy yet at the same time pretty harsh as the first song kind of slows down. Wars are sometimes started because of lies told by leaders and politicians.

I see and hear sort of a similarity vocally to a higher pitched Peter Dolving in a sense but these vocals aren’t as rough as his are. There is also the feel musically of a more modern version of Germany’s Kreator and what a great band to style your music after!

But as is the case with bands such as Fabulous Desaster, it seems to me that Ravager uses the same fast thrash metal and the vocals although they are not like the band I mentioned they don’t really waver from that high pitch. Historically, German bands and especially thrash bands from this nation have really kept my interest and excelled musically. While Ravager are a decent group of guys, their hardcore style of vocals and speed really don’t change much and this can lead to some fans losing interest in these songs.

One other plus about this album is that the song Human Sacrifice starts with a nice riff as the words human sacrifice are repeated at least a few times.

Unknown Dreams is a song about someone being scared and confused about what may happen next. “Trapped Inside” is a song about being trapped and boxed in by the circumstances of life as there is no clue as to what must be done. “Dr. Mad” starts out with an interesting riff as there is a laugh that is heard and lyrically get ready to be surprised as the song refers to a crazy doctor that is willing to inflict pain on his patients at any cost. Overall, this debut album by Ravager is decent with the first two songs being the best. Even though it was mentioned earlier that Ravager’s music may appeal to some fans compared to Exodus, it depends what their musical tastes are. For those that prefer the more modern type of thrash metal such as myself, Ravager may be a better fit musically.