Celebrating their 40th anniversary with an explosive return, HIRAX unleashes Faster Than Death, their long-awaited sixth full-length studio effort. This record is a ferocious reminder of why the California thrash legends remain a cornerstone of the genre. With founding frontman Katon W. De Pena at the helm, backed by razor-sharp riffs and sensational drumming, Faster Than Death is a masterclass in breakneck speed, aggression, and old-school thrash fury.
The production is about as good as it gets. Vocals, guitars, bass guitar were engineered & recorded by Bill Metoyer at Skull Seven Studio North Hollywood, California, while the drums were recorded with Aaron Cruz, Mike Boeltl and Vitaly Kopiev at Beach Avenue Studio Inglewood, California.
“A relentless Thrash assault worthy of worship!” – Randy “Rocket” Cody, TMD
From the opening crusher “Drill Into The Brain”, the album immediately launches into a full-throttle assault. Tracks like the pummeling “Armageddon” and “Warlord’s Command” (a re-recording from their 1985 Raging Violence album) pay homage to the band’s roots while benefiting from modern production that enhances its blistering speed and unrelenting intensity.
Track three’s “Drowned Bodies” is a metal masterpiece and is one of my favorites off the album. There is some killer guitar solo work offered up, but the main riff is the real gem. It is simply masterful. Next up the album’s title track “Faster Than Death” will surely make fans head bang. My personal favorite is the absolutely bad ass “Revenant” – that not only drops a hella sick riff but the tight as shit rhythm section is simply second to none.
Max Norman’s production ensures that every riff, bass line, and drum hit comes through with super-sharp clarity, while still maintaining the raw, in-your-face energy that made HIRAX a force to be reckoned with in the 80s. The album’s sonic power is further amplified by Bill Metoyer’s engineering, capturing the sheer ferocity of the band’s performance. “Psychiatric Ward” and “Relentless” continue the album’s furious momentum.
Concluding with the stellar “Warlord’s Command” and the utterly brutal “World’s End”, my mind was blown away so much I had to press “play” and start the amazing heavy metal experience all over again from the first song of the album.
Katon’s unmistakable voice remains the battle cry of HIRAX. His commanding vocals cut through the mix like a blade, delivering anthemic choruses and relentless lyrical firepower. Thematically, Faster Than Death stays true to the band’s signature mix of war, rebellion, and chaos, reinforcing their legacy as one of thrash metal’s most uncompromising acts.
This album proves they’re still at the top of their game. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of classic thrash metal or a newcomer looking to experience the genre’s raw energy, Faster Than Death is an essential listen.
ROCKET REVIEW:
HIRAX – Faster Than Death
(2025/Armageddon Label)
Final Verdict: 10/10 – Faster Than Death cements HIRAX’s legendary status with a relentless, headbanging experience that honors their past while proving they’re still a vital force in metal. Thrash is alive and well—long live HIRAX!
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