Insinnerator ‘Hypothermia’ EP Review: Better Than the First

After nearly two years of waiting, Insinnerator has released “Hypothermia,” their follow up EP to their 2011 album “Stalagmite of Ice.” This long EP (25-30 minutes) features six tracks of adrenaline pumping thrash metal sure to make any metal head proud.

One major improvement is the overall sound of the EP. The production is better while still maintaing the “old school” sound that Insinnerator are known for. “Brutal” Ben’s vocals are more controlled and clear and his bass tone remains punchy. Juan “Speed’s” drums have a remarkable 1986 Dave Lombardo (Slayer) feel to them and Christopher “Atomic Thrasher” has really raised the bar with his guitar playing.

The songs are all highly technical and don’t stay on one riff for too long. Each song has its own unique personality and has been nurtured with the finest care by Insinnerator. Simply put: the riffs on this release are fantastic. Standout tracks are the crushing opener “Burned Alive,” “Pentagram,” and “Elemental Ice Dragon.”

The title track, “Hypothermia” is seemingly the oddball in the bunch. It is an instrumental song that features mostly classical guitar playing by Christopher “Athomic Thrasher.” It doesn’t sound like it really fits in the EP until “Elemental Ice Dragon’s” thunderous intro starts off. “Hypothermia” is cleverly thrown in as the calm before “Elemental Ice Dragon’s” near eight-minute storm.

The remaining two songs that round out the “Hypothermia” are “Aquatic Abyss” and the download-only track “Curse (Horror of Dracula)” which is featured on Global Thrash Assault’s “Wreck Your Neck Volume 1” compilation. The songs are cool and catchy with that classic thrash vibe that makes them good closers.

“Hypothermia” is a great release by Insinnerator that is just as good if not better than their debut “Stalagmite of Ice.” It sounds better, feels refreshing and keeps the listener interested despite having several long songs. “Hypothermia” can compete with a lot of the more mainstream thrash bands of the current era while maintaining a healthy competition with many classic thrash albums as well. They prove yet again that they are something for everyone with this release.
“
Hypothermia” can be downloaded on iTunes. For fans who want a physical copy of “Hypothermia,” that can be purchased at insinnerator.bigcartel.com.