“Razorback Killers” and “Electric Punishment” were setting you up for the next phase in the VR’s metal assault and a “Concussion Protocol”. As the opening title track bursts from the speakers with crushing riffs, driving aggressive drums, bass, and a(nother) vicious voice behind the mic, it is evident long time original member Geoff Thorpe knows the VR’s formula and delivery like the back on his hand.

A combination of the early 80s speed metal of bands like themselves, Metal Church, Anvil, and Malice, meets Metallica, Megadeth, Death Angel, and Testament…it is obvious Vicious Rumors are as true as ever to their roots and fellow peers. ‘Chemical Slaves’ shows this is its balance between aggression, speed/ steadfast tempo, twin lead guitar harmonies, and attention to melody is the instruments and vocals, as with the no less heavy crushing power behind ‘Victims Of A Digital World’. ‘Chasing The Priest’ is all classic VR and their self titled 1990 album in those riffs and attack, with the delivery in ‘1,000 Years’ and ‘Every Blessing Is A Curse’ in the similar structure. Great useage of melodic leads open ‘Last Of Our Kind’ – another side to the VR arrangement, as with the clean guitars and melodic vocal begun ‘Circle Of Secrets’. Dynamics as always on a VR album. Bass opens ‘Take It Or Leave It’, and ‘Life For A Life’ closes the album with a mid tempo chug and a lower resister vocal that almost has a Rammstein industrial feel. For long time fans of these Bay Area speed/thrash metallers it’s a solid album. Welcome back to the ball.