Headhunter - Parasite of Society (AFM Records) - Back
“Parasite Of Society” is the first Headhunter album since 1994 and was10 years in the making. Headhunter started out back in 1990 when Schmier left the band he founded, Thrash pioneers Destruction. Almost immediately, Schmier enlisted Uwe Hoffmann and Jorg Michael to form Headhunter, a band that would blend the frenzy of Thrash with the technical melodic prowess of power metal. Headhunter released 3 albums during the ’90s but broke up as Schmier returned to Destruction in 1998. 10 years later...here we are. The music here is more German Power Metal than Thrash and Schmier’s vocals are rough and harsh with a touch of the melodic, he’s not going to win any best singer awards but he is a unique force behind the mic. The backline of Schmier’s thrashy bass and Jorg Michael’s rapid-fire drums really provide a solid punch. Michael has been in some of some very successful bands like Rage, Running Wild, and Grave Digger but he has also lent his drum style to Heavy Metal legends Saxon and Stratovarius so you know there is serious talent behind the kit. What makes ‘Headhunter’ shine is the guitar work and Uwe Hoffman really shreds all over this album, he has a cool sense of melody while he solos and lays down some killer Power Metal riffs...

Out of 12 songs there are two covers: Skid Row’s ‘18 & Life’ and Judas Priest’s ‘Rapid Fire’. Except for the solo, ‘18 & Life’ is probably one of the worst cover songs I’ve heard in a long time but the band redeems themselves with a solid run through ‘Rapid Fire’ that is straight up Metal. Honestly, I could do without both in return for one or two more originals. There are 10 originals on ‘Parasite Of Society’ and the first song, ‘3rd Man Introduction’, is a quick 30 second instrumental that slams headfirst into the Thrash power of the title track that has some frantic, speedy riffs. ‘Silverskull’ has more of a slower heavy groove to it until the chorus where it picks up again. I like the opening to ‘Remission’, very slow and haunting guitar lines open the song and follow into a doom laden main riff with Schmier going from a more melodic clean style to screams and growls. Listen to Jorg’s drums just crash all over this song, especially just before the revved up solo break. This is probably my favorite song of the record. ‘Doomsday For The Prayer’ is a fast neck breaker that has more to do with the Destruction Thrash style while ‘Read My Lips’ burns with a speed demon main riff and pounding drums while Schmier screams over the top. It sounds a little too frantic but it all seems to come together. When I saw the title ‘Backs To The Wall’ I thought I was going to get a third cover, this time of Saxon, but thankfully it’s an original song. It opens with a drum intro, moving on to a bass highlight and settles into a mid-pace Metal march. I believe that is a sitar that opens ‘Egomaniac’ for all of 10 seconds until the song kicks into high speed with both Michael and Hoffmann dueling each other to see who is faster. ‘The Calling’ is a titanic stomper while ‘Payback Time’ is brutal with some powerful riffs. There’s a break towards the end of the song where the band shows their comedic side by busting into the Muppets Theme. If you like straightforward Traditional Metal that blends Power and Thrash together then this is for you. Become a “Parasite of Society” and grab your copy of Headhunter’s new album now!....

Rating: 70

Reviewed By: Cameron Edney - http://www.myspace.com/insideout666ints