Thrash, The Way I Like It – 82%
DanielG06, June 6th, 2022
Written based on this version: 2015, Digital, Independent
Afew years ago I was neck-deep in a phase of thrash metal addiction. It started with Exodus, then Death Angel, Vio-Lence, Sadus, then I found more modern acts that satisfied the aggressive, testosterone-laced sound that I fiended for, like Ultra-Violence, Violator and Grindpad. Even though I’ve moved on and am now interested in other genres, albums like this awaken my 14 year old self, and I remember why I fell so deeply in love with this genre. Don’t be mistaken, this is very straightforward thrash metal, warts and all, and I have to admit that even when ultimately the music is generic, I can’t help but adore it. Most of this record is of course very fast, with frantic riffs and typical d-beat drumming. The standard for thrash metal lead guitarists is very high, and Distillator doesn’t disappoint, with destructive, soaring solos.
As for the songwriting, it is simple, with songs revolving around two or three riffs, and plenty of gang shouts to go around. There are infectious, galloping sections, like in Saturation Bombing, alongside technical and tight riffs. You can hear a lot of influence from Slayer on here, which isn’t much of a surprise. Shiver In Fear is a highlight, with its biting bass breaks and overall very punky nature. Distillator’s utilisation of pure velocity is done very well here, and while I think that they would improve later on, Revolutionary Cells shows all of the indicative signs of a band that plays with belligerence and immense impact. Production-wise, this album is clean-sounding, similar to early Havok or Ultra-Violence. The guitars have a great, sharp, treble-heavy tone, and the drums are dynamically mixed to give the record an organic, live sound.
Distinct or Extinct is probably the strongest song on the album, opening with an eerie clean section that shows diversity in the band’s ideas, which then evolves into a very evocative, staccato riff. The vocals are a combination of mid-pitch barks and high screams. Granted, this isn’t exactly original, as it has been done by Schmier, Dave Sanchez, Tom Araya, John Connelly, and so many others, but if you saw the logo, artwork and song titles and still clicked play on this album, I’m guessing you weren’t looking for originality in the first place. Regardless, Revolutionary Cells is a strong, flashy debut that manages to impress with its energy and raw intensity.
rafazardly 