J-Metal Reviews: AION "DEATHRASH BOUND"

By Badman

Hell-the f**k-O rattleheads! I am back with another J-Meal album review! Today, I have one of the finest Thrash Metal bands forged in the flames of Tokyo. I present to you the steel-shredding, face-melting AION!

The band formed in 1983 by leader and lead guitarist Izumi Ochiai. AION was short-lived and lasted for only two years (1983-85) due to Izumi forming the band Mein Kampf. Just like AION, Mein Kampf quickly dissolved in 1986 leaving Izumi bandless. In no time Izumi hired Tatsuya “Dean” Miwa on bass and previous bandmate Jun “S.A.B” Saburi on drums. For a few years, AION shuffled through a few vocalists but ended up with famous Rosenfeld vocalist Hisayoshi Higara, officially completing the band. With this second iteration of AION complete, Izumi was determined to leave an everlasting legacy by hitting the record studio. In 1989, AION released their debut album "DEATHRASH BOUND" that quickly swept through Japan’s Metal scene! 

"DEATHRASH BOUND" is what you’d expect from a Thrash Metal album and more! Killer, CHUNKY riffs! The intense energy leaves little breathing room, with songs hitting you with the force of a Mack Truck. "DEATHRASH BOUND" is a short but sweet record consisting of ten tracks only running for about thirty-one minutes. The greatest highlights of "DEATHRASH BOUND" are what gives this album a tasty listen. First I love how the bass is completely audible; maybe even louder than the guitars. The vocals are a mixture of mid-ranged shouts and crazed high-pitched wailing, putting in that extra "umph" of intensity. Last but not least, the occasional incorporation of melodic breaks and solos is gives it that cherry on top. The tracks standout are "PANDEMONIUM", "CRADLE SONG", "NIGHT OF THE MURDER", "H.A.R. (HUMAN AFFECTIVE REVELATION)", "STRUGGLE TO BREATHE", "PETER" (A short kickass instrumental put on every AION album), and "TORMENT IN FIRE". 

For a debut album, "DEATHRASH BOUND" is an absolutely solid listen. Yes, the production is rough around the edges, and there are three easily skippable songs, but the pros GREATLY overshadow the cons. This record is a J-Metal gem and a glimpse into AION’s progressive journey. For those looking for flavorful, insanely aggressive Thrash Metal album, "DEATHRASH BOUND" would be right up your alley...so fucking listen to it!!

Standouts:
PANDEMONIUM
NIGHT OF THE MURDER
CRADLE SONG
H.A.R. (HUMAN AFFECTIVE REVELATION)
STRUGGLE TO BREATHE
PETER (Instrumental)
TORMENT IN FIRE

The entire album can be listened to (probably not the most authorized of sources) via the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt6x8zVghxY