Before I heard 'The Divine Equal', Vancouver thrash metal band Titans Eve's 2011 CD, I had pretty low expectations of it. My jaw dropped to the floor with the opening chords of the first track and I remain stunned at the technical sophistication and musicianship. I hope this review of it properly captures my sheer amazement.

Founded in 2008, Titans Eve has rapidly developed a reputation as one of the best thrash metal bands in Canada. A solid musical statement of uncommon quality and depth, 'The Divine Equal' is simply amazing and one of the most spectacular musical letters of introduction since 'Fistful Of Metal' by Anthrax. There is not a single weak track on this album, an exceptionally well-mixed studio production.

Brian Gamblin (guitar/vocals) and his brother Kyle (guitar/backup vocals) took upon the rather bold concept of composing the album using metaphysical works Paradise Lost and The Book of Genesis as themes. To explore a broad theme like the end of days is an ambitious thing to do with a debut album (though they had released an EP entitled 'Into The Fire' in 2009). Evidently these guys like to go big not merely when it comes to the sound that goes with the lyrics.

The lightning quick percussive guitar riffs, shadowed by seemingly ever-present shredding-style work here indicates that thrash metal is far from a dead sub-genre though the mainstream music press may have written it off as such. One needs to hear what Titans Eve does with it to fully understand what room there is within thrash metal for innovation. I like the choices they make with regard to the tempo changes. They know how to balance them out to maximize the effect.

Not having seen them play live I can only imagine whether or not the live show matches the raw power of the recording.

www.myspace.com/titanseveofficial