Havok, Colorado’s most intense band’s sophomore album, “Time Is Up†(Candlelight Records) has been out for a while now, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth raving about. Gearing up for a tour with Exhumed, Goatwhore and Cephalic Carnage in the fall, the band hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down.
Three words: This album slays.
If you thought the Denver four piece’s first album “Burn†was good, “Time Is Up†makes their previous installment look like child’s play. Guitarist and vocalist David Sanchez is primed and pissed as he unleashes devastating riffs, supersonic vocals and fantastic leads throughout this technical masterpiece. Pete Webber’s drumming in beyond lethal and probably have enough firepower to level a few city blocks. Jesse De Los Santos’s speedy bass lines are crushing and Reece Scruggs’ guitar work is down right terrifying at times.
The album features screeches and power of Slayer in their Hell Awaits days. Haunting, frightening lyrics and vocals push the album so far beyond the point of audio it makes the songs become almost physical apparitions. David Sanchez’s unique vocal style will give you nightmares.
The songs themselves also feature great hooks and deadly leads. The speed and complexity once again really shine for Havok. Sanchez and crew truly deliver the goods and leave you horrific pit images dancing around in your head.
Songs to really look for are “D.O.A.,†“Prepare For Attack,†“The Cleric†and the title track, “Time Is Up.†They kick you in the balls and then feed you to the dogs in this shred fest of insanity.
Without giving too much away, “Time Is Up†is a record that not only surpasses all expectations, but many of the new albums bands are putting out as well as outdoing a lot of older, legendary releases at times. The album is titled quite accurately for what the fans and the band felt at the time. Now as far as Havok’s hostile takeover of the world is concerned, the time is now.
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