CANCER „Spirit In Flames”

Music: Death/Thrash
Country: UK
Website: http://www.tothegoryend.co.uk
Duration: 39.09
Cool Songs: Insides Out, Fistula, Mindless Reactions, Devil’s Playground

After taking the best part of the last decade off, UK Death Metallers ‘Cancer’ reunited (as is the current want of many long dead veterans metal acts) in 2004. They quickly signed to England’s Copro Records and put out a ‘feeler’ EP entitled ‘Corporation$’. Possibly one of the more unlucky metal bands of their time (they even had a major label contract prior to disbanding), Cancer were a solid, if unspectacular middle tier death/thrash band – they released four full length albums – 1989 debut ‘To The Gory End’ 1991’s ‘Death Shall Rise’ 1992’s ‘Sins of Mankind’, and the ill-fated ‘Black Faith’ album of 1994. I liked the band and their material is well worth seeking out, but as I suggested in my EP review, I wasn’t exactly holding out for their quick return.

With ‘Corporation$’ doing the job of reintroducing the band the metal community, the obligatory full length follow up ‘Spirit in Flames’ is now upon us. Thankfully, main men (and only former members) John Walker (Vrr) and Carl Stokes (Drr) have recognised their strengths and avoided any temptation to modernise their sound. As such, ‘Spirit in Flame’ has a decidedly old school feel, with the band pursuing the raw and aggressive thrash vibe that so enamoured their last two full lengths of the 90’s. It’s nothing too speed driven, more like mid to faster tempos with a raw, shredding riff sound and rhythmic back beat. The death metal tag that Cancer garnered from their earlier material is hardly noticeable anymore. This is a good thing. The fact that vocalist John Walker avoids any sort of cliché ridden growling style in favour of a harsh aggressive bark only further accentuates the ‘Spirit in Flames’ thrash feel.

‘Spirit in Flames’ also has a fair degree of melody involved in it. While there is nothing on this that will have long time fans accusing Cancer of seeking a ‘commercial’ angle, yet it is notable that many of their compositions tend to apply a well intended catchiness or vocal hook. The addition of David Leitch (who replaces Rob Engvikson from last years EP) on guitar has also added another dimension to their sound, particularly via the seriously wicked lead solos that he hammers out throughout this discs entire length.

‘Spirit in Flames’ is a worthy return for Cancer. They have steadfastly stuck to their roots and the old school thrash feel that serve them so well before their demise in the mid 90’s. Yeah, there’s a slight nostalgic feel but hey, this is what Cancer does best. Whilst there is nothing remotely classic in terms of song writing, each and every track on ‘Spirit..’ is laced with an energy and passion that indicates Cancer are doing more than merely making up the ‘reunion’ numbers.

note: 7.4/10

Tracklist

Insides Out
Mindless Reactions
Spirit In Flames
Hellhouse
Solar Prophesy
Devil’s Playground
Fistula
Séance
Ouija