Sent to Burn is the follow-up recording to Led to the Grave's self-titled debut full-length release, featuring five new tracks the blend a somewhat modern Thrash sound with classic, evil-sounding Thrash comparable to that of today's revival movement. While this release isn't one of the most original releases out there, with almost all of these tracks sparking memories of other similar songs for one reason or another, it's the simple fact of how well done the songs are, how simply menacing the music and vocals come off that provide the most enjoyment on this EP. This release also makes a fine entry into the old-school Thrash movement of today by a band that should stand out, but seems to be lost in the mass of bands coming forward anymore.
It takes about thirty seconds for Sent to Burn to actually kick in, as you wait for the sound effect utilized at the start of the album to fade in louder, then contend with feedback for a few seconds until the song comes crashing in. When it does, all of it seems like familiar territory, as the music will remind many of the more chaotic sides of Thrash bands such as Sodom and Kreator, but sometimes the music adorns a slightly lighter and melodic tone that reflects some of the more modern Thrash sounds out there. Either way, Sent to Burn has some phenomenal material on it that Thrash enthusiasts will love. The only thing they may not like is how the guitar solos are handled. While they are very well done and highly impressive, there's barely any on here. "American Marquis De Sade", "Architect of Doom" and "Bloodrott" wind up being the only two tracks that have solos that are really attention grabbing, which is sad since the solo is one of the main ingredients for a solid Thrash release.
While things get off to a rocky start, it's not like the rough times are over. The title track, "Sent to Burn", makes for a great track, but with the way the song is structured, in the back of your mind you'll hear classic Thrash concepts weaved into a more modern sound, but also a hint of Toxic Holocaust influence, especially with the performance that hits for the chorus, which will immediately bring up memories of "Nuke the Cross". While this is far from a copy or idolworship, it is enoiugh to make the listener feel as if he/she is on familiar territory already. However, the following track, "Metalwhore", does manage to seperate itself a little bit from any real specific comparisons, there is still no denying that the release isn't all that original, but this song does showcase a very brief falsetto vocal attempt that sounds great against the music, and hopefully will be attempted again on future recordings.
Overall, Sent to Burn proves to be a great album. The sinister feeling behind the music, which sometimes mingles with the band's ability to compose somewhat melodic material at times, which is proven on the track "Architect of Doom", really causes the band to stand out. outside the music not being too unique, a common trait to the Thrash revival as of late, Led to the Grave put on an energetic performance on each song, and each track will captivate the listener and have them come back for more, if not right away, but always on whatever rainy day happens to come. Evil metal, two-stepping, rhaspy sinister vocals, speed and intensity, gang chants, all the traditional aspects of the style are present and done to near perfection. If you have yet to experience Led to the Grave, then let Sent to Burn introduce you to this promising young act.
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