To start with, as I was planning this review I received news that the bassist of Evile Mike Alexander passed away so this review is dedicated to his family and friends. 2007 marked a turning point in the UK thrash scene with bands such as Speedtheory and Evile making a big impact. Evile's debut album "Enter The Grave" gave them critical acclaim from everyone including a high profile support slot with thrash masters Megadeth on their last tour.

Now in 2009 comes the second album "Infected Nations" in which the question was asked whether the band could follow up the impact of "Enter The Grave" and beat the second album syndrome.....

The answer to this question is yes they can.

"Infected Nations" opens with the title track's brooding intro which is reminiscent of early Metallica when suddenly and out of nowhere, the fast mosh pit inducing guitars of the Drake brothers, Matt and Ol kick in, the thundering bass of Mike and the drillin' blast beats of Ben Carter combine to create one hell of a head-banging creation. In a weird turn of events when the track was first released there was a consensus of people that believed the song was about swine flu, this was shot down on Evile's forum by Ol.

'Now Demolition' has been showcased live before the album was released and given the response it was very favourable and the song transfers well to record bringing to mind Anthrax circa "Among The Living". 'Genocide' brings the first of quite a few EPIC songs to the table along with the 11:15 long 'Hundred Wrathful Deities' which shows the difference between Evile and most of the other thrash bands that are around at the moment.

Evile are not afraid to defy what some people would call 'thrash convention' by padding songs out to this length but that don't even drag for one moment. Production by Russ Russell also showcases the rawness of the band from his experience with Napalm Death, The Exploited etc.

Overall, "Infected Nations" is an album that demonstrates how Evile are in their prime more than ever and are set to become the leaders of the new era of British Thrash metal in 2009 and beyond.

RIP Mike Alexander 2009.